Positioning method and positioning device

Abstract

The embodiment of the present application provides a positioning method and a communication device, the method comprises the following steps: a first location management network element carries out first positioning processing on a measured device to obtain first location information; the first location management network element requests a first network element in which a positioning reference device exists to determine one or more first positioning reference devices, the first positioning reference device carries out second positioning measurement to obtain second positioning measurement information; and the first positioning reference device sends the second positioning measurement information to the first location management network element, so that the first location management network element can obtain more accurate location information of the measured device based on the positioning measurement provided by the positioning reference device and the first location information, thereby improving the positioning accuracy of the measured device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of communications. More specifically, it relates to positioning methods and positioning devices. Background Technology

[0002] With the rise of smart technology, vertical industries are increasingly demanding positioning capabilities. Version 16 of the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), frozen in June 2020, introduced positioning functionality for 5G base stations. Its application scenarios are mainly divided into two categories: wide-area positioning scenarios and local-area positioning scenarios.

[0003] To improve positioning accuracy in the aforementioned scenarios, the industry has proposed using positioning reference devices to enhance positioning accuracy. According to the 3GPP RAN1 assessment, positioning reference devices can help improve positioning accuracy; however, how to select a suitable positioning reference device to improve positioning accuracy remains unknown. Therefore, there is an urgent need to propose a method to determine a suitable positioning reference device. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a method for improving positioning accuracy or positioning performance.

[0005] The positioning reference device described in this application embodiment can be replaced with any one or more of the following terms, the name is not limited, but they can all have the same or related functions. Furthermore, the following terms can also be interchanged. Moreover, all other positioning reference devices in this application can be replaced in this way. Additionally, the positioning reference device described in this application embodiment can also be replaced with other terms not exemplified in this application, the name is not limited, but they can all have the same or related functions; it is hereby uniformly stated that when this positioning reference device appears in subsequent embodiments, for the sake of brevity, it will not be described again. The following are some examples of such terms:

[0006] Reference devices, reference user equipment (UE), reference nodes, transmission reception points (TRPs), correction devices, correction UEs, calibration UEs, calibration devices, reference points, positioning reference units (PRUs), positioning reference devices (PRDs), differential devices, differential units, positioning differential devices (PDDs), positioning differential units (PDUs), correction points, and calibration points are all included. Reference nodes may include reference user equipment or reference access network equipment, or user equipment or access network equipment. Transmission reception points may include reference transmission reception points (TRPs).

[0007] The positioning reference device can also be a user equipment and / or access network equipment and / or part of the access network equipment (e.g., NG-RAN, evolved universal terrestrial radio access network (EUTRAN), gNB, eNB, central unit (CU), distributed unit (DU), transmit / receive point (TRP), etc.).

[0008] The positioning reference device used for positioning measurement or measurement may refer to the positioning reference device having the following functions:

[0009] 1. The positioning reference device can measure downlink positioning reference signals and report relevant measurement information to the location management network element. The location management network element can be a location management function (LMF) network element, a location server, an evolved location management function (eLMF) network element, or other network elements with similar functions. This application does not limit the name.

[0010] The reported measurement information may include: reference signal time difference (RSTD), receive-to-transmit time difference (Rx-Tx time difference), reference signal received power (RSRP), etc.

[0011] 2. The positioning reference device can send a sounding reference signal (SRS) to an access network device (e.g., gNB, eNB) or a part of the access network device (e.g., TRP), enabling the access network device or a part of the access network device to measure and report measurement information related to the positioning reference device to the location management network element. The location management network element can be an LMF (Local Management Function) network element. The reported measurement information may include: relative time of arrival (RTOA), receive-to-transmit time difference (Rx-Tx time difference), angle of arrival (AoA), etc.

[0012] 3. The location information of the device (e.g., a positioning reference device or a first device) can be known location information. For example, the location information can be pre-configured: for example, it can be geographic coordinate point (GCP) information, or it can be location information configured by the operator; it can also be location information measured, calculated, or estimated by a positioning method, for example, it can be location information measured, calculated, or estimated by one or more of the following positioning methods; further for example, the location information can be location information obtained through one or more different positioning methods or positioning techniques, such as Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), Real-Time Kinematic (RTK), Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR), Observed Time Difference of Arrival (OTDOA), Uplink Time Difference of Arrival (UL-TDOA), Downlink Time Difference of Arrival (DL-TDOA), Uplink Angle of Arrival (UL-AoA), and Downlink Angle of Departure (UL-AoA). Positioning methods include angle-of-departure (DL-AoD), WLAN-based positioning, Bluetooth-based positioning, multi-round trip time (Multi-RTT), time difference of arrival (TDOA), enhanced cell ID (ECID), terrestrial beacon system positioning (TBS), and sensor-based positioning. The location information of the positioning reference device can be reported to the location management network element (e.g., LMF).

[0013] 4. The positioning reference device can report antenna direction information to the location management network element (e.g., LMF).

[0014] 5. Positioning reference devices can be used for timing error estimation and compensation; or, to mitigate the Rx / Tx timing error; or, to calculate the Rx / Tx timing error difference; or, to assist in calibration; or, to assist in generating calibration information / correction information / differential information; or, the positioning reference device itself can generate calibration information / correction information / differential information; or, to assist in generating timing calibration information / timing correction information / timing differential information. Information); or, the positioning reference device itself can generate time calibration information / time correction information / time difference information; or, the positioning reference device can estimate and correct effective time errors to support time calibration; or, the positioning reference device assists other UEs or positioning reference devices or location management network elements in generating correction terms to assist other UEs or positioning reference devices or location management network elements in correcting positioning measurement or positioning calculation results; or, the positioning reference device can mitigate and calibrate the timing errors; or, the first device can be used to improve the positioning performance or positioning accuracy of the angle-based positioning method, which may include the UL-AoA positioning method and DL-AoD positioning method described above.

[0015] 6. The positioning reference device can be used for or support user equipment-assisted positioning; or the positioning reference device can be used for or support user equipment-based positioning; or the positioning reference device can be used for or support network-based positioning. "User equipment-assisted positioning" can be understood as the positioning reference device reporting measurement information to assist the LMF in calculating the final positioning result; "user equipment-based positioning" can be understood as the positioning reference device performing the final calculation of the positioning result based on auxiliary measurement information provided by the network (e.g., access network equipment, other UEs, or the positioning reference device, LMF) and / or its own obtained measurement information; "network-based positioning" can be understood as the network (e.g., the LMF) performing the final positioning result calculation based on measurement information provided by access network equipment and / or UEs and / or the positioning reference device.

[0016] 7. Positioning reference devices can be used for positioning measurement, positioning estimate, positioning computation, location computation, location measurement, location estimate, or measurement.

[0017] Firstly, a positioning method is provided, including:

[0018] A first network element receives a first message from a first location management network element. This first message requests information about a positioning reference device from the first network element. The first network element possesses information about one or more positioning reference devices used for positioning measurements. The first network element determines one or more first positioning reference devices based on the first message. The first network element then sends the one or more first positioning reference devices to the first location management network element. Here, the first network element can determine one or more first positioning reference devices that meet the requirements of the first message. These first positioning devices can perform positioning measurements and obtain one or more positioning measurement results, which can effectively help improve the positioning accuracy of the first device.

[0019] Alternatively, the word "provide" can be replaced with "find / discovery", "retrieval", or "get / obtain"; the word "determine" can be replaced with "find / discovery / query", "retrieval", or "choose".

[0020] It should be understood that the word "exist" in "there are one or more positioning reference devices or information about one or more positioning reference devices" in this application can be interpreted as "exist," "registered," "registered," "existing," "configured," "stored," "subscribed," "has," "have," "possess," "contains," or "includes," etc.

[0021] It should be understood that the first positioning reference device may be a positioning reference device, or the positioning reference device may include the first positioning reference device, or it may be understood that the first positioning reference device may be part or all of the positioning reference device.

[0022] It should be understood that sending the one or more first positioning reference devices may be sending information about the one or more first positioning reference devices, or it may be sending network function instances of the one or more first positioning reference devices. The information about the positioning reference devices may include at least one of the following:

[0023] The location reference device's identification information, part or all of the location reference device's registration information, part or all of the location reference device's contract information, part or all of the network function configuration information (NF profile), part or all of the location reference device's configuration information, part or all of the location reference device's context, and other related information.

[0024] The first message includes at least one of the following:

[0025] The first device includes reference area information, information about adjacent reference areas of the first device's reference area, and first location information of the first device. The first device can be a device being located. The device being located (UE being positioned) can be a device currently being located, a device to be located, a target device, or a device being located and measured, etc. The first device can also be a positioning reference device.

[0026] In addition, the location information of the first device is as described above and will not be repeated here.

[0027] In this application, the reference area information of the device is explained below and will not be repeated here.

[0028] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible implementation of the first aspect, the first network element determines one or more first positioning reference devices based on the first message, including:

[0029] The first network element can determine one or more first positioning reference devices based on the first message and / or the status of the one or more positioning reference devices. Here, the first network element can dynamically select the first positioning reference positioning device that meets the positioning requirements for auxiliary positioning measurement, thereby further improving the positioning accuracy of the first device.

[0030] Alternatively, the word “determine” can be replaced with “find / discovery / query”, “retrieval”, or “choose”.

[0031] The state of the positioning reference device can be its motion state (motionstate / mobile state), which may include:

[0032] The positioning reference device changes from stationary to moving, moving (mobile / moving), positioning function is disabled (disable), positioning function fails, changes from moving to stationary, stationary (fixed / static / stationary), positioning function is enabled (enable), positioning function is effective, moving speed is greater than a certain value, moving speed is less than a certain value, moving speed is equal to a certain value, moving speed, moving speed belongs to or does not belong to a certain range, etc.

[0033] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible implementation of the first aspect, the method further includes: a first network element receiving first information from the positioning reference device, the first information being used to indicate the capability of the positioning reference device. Here, the first network element can determine whether the positioning reference device can serve as a positioning reference device.

[0034] Alternatively, the word “indicate” can be replaced with “inform / notify” or “represent / express / show / mean”.

[0035] Alternatively, “indicating the capability of a positioning reference device” can be replaced with “indicating whether it can serve as a positioning reference device”; or, “indicating the capability of a positioning reference device” can be replaced with “indicating whether it has the capability of a positioning reference device”.

[0036] The capability of the positioning reference device can be understood, for example, as whether the positioning reference device possesses the aforementioned functions. The indication can be provided using binary bits. For example, a bit position of 1 indicates the device possesses the capability of the positioning reference device, and a bit position of 0 indicates it does not possess the capability. Alternatively, a bit position of 0 indicates the device possesses the capability of the positioning reference device, and a bit position of 1 indicates it does not possess the capability. Alternatively, carrying a bit indicating whether the device possesses the capability indicates the device possesses the capability, and not carrying such a bit indicates it does not possess the capability. Alternatively, not carrying such a bit indicates the device possesses the capability, and carrying such a bit indicates it does not possess the capability. Alternatively, the indication can be carried by transmitting other relevant information, such as carrying one or more information elements (IEs) to indicate the capability to locate a reference device, and not carrying one or more information elements to indicate the lack of the capability to locate a reference device; or, not carrying one or more information elements to indicate the capability to locate a reference device, and carrying one or more information elements to indicate the lack of the capability to locate a reference device. Optionally, the first network element determines whether the location reference device can be used as a location reference device based on the first information.

[0037] Optionally, the first network element may also obtain information about the capabilities of the positioning reference device from the subscription information of the positioning reference device.

[0038] Optionally, the first information may be carried in any one or more of the following messages or elements, which are not limited in this application:

[0039] Registration request, registration complete, deregistration accept, deregistration request, service request, service reject, service accept, control plane service request, uplink non-access stratum transport (UL NAS transport), mobile originated location request (MO-LR), authentication response, authentication failure, configuration update complete, identity response, notification response, security mode complete, security mode reject, security protected 5GS NAS message, 5G mobility management status (5GMM status), network slice-specific authentication complete, LPP protocol packet data unit (LPP PDU), NR protocol data unit (NRpositioning protocol packet data unit).NPP PDU / NRPP PDU, LPP message, request capabilities, provide capabilities, request assistance data, provide assistance data, request location information, provide location information, LPP request / provide location information message, LPP capability transfer, LPP request / provide assistance data message, LPP request / provide capability message, LPP procedure, LPP capability transfer, NR message, NR request / provide location information message, NR capability transfer, NR request / provide assistance data message, NR request / provide capability message, NR procedure, NR capability transfer, PDU session establishment request. Requests include PDU session modification requests, PDU session release requests, remote UE reports, NG setup requests, Transmitter Receiver Point Information Responses (TRPs), and capability exchanges.

[0040] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible implementation of the first aspect, the method further includes: a first network element receiving second information from a positioning reference device, the second information indicating the state of the positioning reference device. Here, the first network element can determine the state of the positioning reference device. For example, when the positioning reference device is movable and its movement state changes, it reports the state change to a second network element, which can then effectively select the first positioning reference device based on its state.

[0041] Similarly, the state of the positioning reference device can be its motion state (motionstate / mobile state), which may include:

[0042] The positioning reference device changes from stationary to moving, moving (mobile / moving), positioning function is disabled (disable), positioning function fails, changes from moving to stationary, stationary (fixed / static / stationary), positioning function is enabled (enable), positioning function is effective, moving speed is greater than a certain value, moving speed is less than a certain value, moving speed is equal to a certain value, moving speed, moving speed belongs to or does not belong to a certain range, etc.

[0043] Optionally, the second information may also be carried in any one or more messages or information elements in which the first information is carried; or, the second information may also be carried in any one or more of the above messages or information elements, and this application does not impose any limitation.

[0044] Optionally, the first network element may also send third information to the positioning reference device, the third information being used to instruct the positioning reference device to report its status.

[0045] Alternatively, “indicate” can be replaced with “notify / inform” or “trigger”; “report” can be replaced with “send / transmit”.

[0046] Optionally, the first network element may also obtain information on whether the positioning reference device can move from the subscription information, registration information, configuration information, or context of the positioning reference device. Whether the positioning reference device can move may specify whether the positioning reference device has the attribute of movement, or may specify whether the positioning reference device is a non-movable device, or may specify whether the positioning reference device is a stationary or fixed device.

[0047] Optionally, the first network element may also obtain the status of the positioning reference device from the subscription information of the positioning reference device.

[0048] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible implementation of the first aspect, the method further includes: a first network element sending an eighth message to a network storage network element, the eighth message indicating that the first network element has the location reference device. Here, the first network element may send the eighth message to the network storage network element after determining or confirming that the device can serve as a location reference device; or, the first network element may send the eighth message to the network storage network element without determining whether the device can serve as a location reference device; or, the first network element may send the eighth message to the network storage network element after receiving first information sent by the location reference device; or, the first network element may send the eighth message to the network storage network element after discovering information about the existence of a location reference device or the existence of a location reference device. The eighth message may be a network function update request "Nnrf_NFManagement_NFUpdate Request".

[0049] It should be understood that the eighth message is used to indicate the presence of the positioning reference device in the first network element. The eighth message may carry an indication to indicate the presence of the positioning reference device in the first network element; or the eighth message itself may have the function of indicating the presence of the positioning reference device in the first network element.

[0050] It should be understood that in this application, the network storage element can be a network function repository function (NRF) or other network elements with the same or similar functions. This application does not limit the name.

[0051] Alternatively, “indicate” can be replaced with “notify / inform”.

[0052] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible implementation of the first aspect, the method further includes: the first network element sending an eighth message to the network storage network element, the eighth message carrying reference area information of the first device, the eighth message being used to indicate that the first network element has the positioning reference device in the reference area of ​​the first device.

[0053] It should be understood that the eighth message is used to indicate that the first network element has the positioning reference device in the reference area of ​​the first device. The eighth message may carry an indication to indicate that the first network element has the positioning reference device in the reference area of ​​the first device; or the eighth message itself may have the function of indicating that the first network element has the positioning reference device in the reference area of ​​the first device.

[0054] In this application, the reference area information of the device is explained below and will not be repeated here.

[0055] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible implementation of the first aspect, the method further includes: a first network element receiving fourth information from the first positioning reference device, the fourth information including second location information and / or positioning measurement information, the second location information being used to indicate the position of the first device measured / estimated / calculated by the first positioning reference device, and the positioning measurement information being used for time correction.

[0056] Alternatively, timing correction can be replaced by timing calibration, timing differential, timing error correction, timing error calibration, timing error differential, or timing adjustment.

[0057] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible implementation of the first aspect, the method further includes: the first network element sending the second location information and / or positioning measurement information to the first location management network element, for the first location management network element to calculate the location information of the first positioning reference device and / or the first device. Here, the first positioning device can assist in improving the positioning measurement and positioning calculation of the first location management network element, thereby improving positioning accuracy.

[0058] Alternatively, “computation” can be replaced with “determine”, “measurement”, or “estimate or obtain / acquire”.

[0059] Optionally, the location information is obtained as described above, and the second location information may be at least one of the following:

[0060] The positioning reference device obtains positioning measurement information, positioning estimation information, positioning calculation information, position measurement information, position estimation information, position calculation information, calibration information, timing error information, differential information, correction information, differential correction information, time correction information, time calibration information, time differential information, time adjustment information, etc. by performing positioning measurements on the first device.

[0061] Optionally, the fourth information may also be carried in any one or more messages or information elements in which the first information is carried; or, the fourth information may also be carried in any one or more of the above messages or information elements, and this application does not limit it.

[0062] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible implementation of the first aspect, the first network element includes: an access and mobility management function network element or a location management function network element. This allows the access and mobility management function network element or the location management function network element to manage the positioning reference device.

[0063] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible implementation of the first aspect, the method further includes: a first network element sending a paging message to a positioning reference device, the paging message being used to page the positioning reference device which is in an idle state. This allows the positioning reference device, which is in an idle state, to return to a connected state to perform positioning measurement work, thereby making full use of the positioning reference device.

[0064] Optionally, the first network element may also send a first indication to the access network device, wherein the first indication is used to notify the positioning reference device to return to the connected state. This can reduce the signaling overhead of the first network element for paging the positioning reference device.

[0065] Alternatively, “notify / inform” can be replaced with “indicate” or “wakeup”.

[0066] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible implementation of the first aspect, the method further includes: the first network element can obtain information about one or more positioning reference devices from a unified data management (UDM) network element.

[0067] Optionally, the first network element can obtain information about one or more positioning reference devices through the following signaling:

[0068] Subscription data management (SDM) retrieval (Nudm_SDM_Get); context retrieval (Nudm_UECM_Get); subscription data management notification (Nudm_SDM_Notification); subscription data management subscription (Nudm_SDM_Subscribe); subscription data management (Nudm_SDM_Info); subscription data management event exposure (Nudm_EventExposure_Notify); parameter provision update (Nudm_ParameterProvision_Update); or parameter provision retrieval (Nudm_ParameterProvision_Get).

[0069] Secondly, a positioning method is provided, including:

[0070] The positioning reference device receives a third message from a first network element, the third message being used to request the positioning reference device to perform positioning measurements; the positioning reference device sends fourth information to a second network element, the fourth information including second location information and / or positioning measurement information, the second location information being used to indicate / represent the location of the first device measured / estimated / calculated by the positioning reference device, and the positioning measurement information being used for time correction.

[0071] The third message may be one or more of the following, which are not limited in this application:

[0072] Authentication request, authentication result, authentication reject, registration accept, registration reject, deregistration accept, service accept, service reject, configuration update command, identity request, notification, security mode command, security protected 5GS NAS message, 5GMM status, 5GSM status, remote UE report response, service-level authentication command, network slice-specific authentication command, network slice-specific authentication result, PDU session establishment accept, PDU session establishment reject, PDU session authentication command, PDU session authentication result, PDU session... establishment response, PDU session modification reject, PDU session modification command, PDU session release reject, PDU session release command.Command), PDU session release complete, downlink non-access stratum transport, LPP protocol data unit (LTE positioning protocol packet data unit, LPP PDU), NR protocol data unit (NRpositioning protocol packet data unit, NPP PDU / NRPP PDU), LPP message, request capabilities, provide capabilities, request assistance data, provide assistance data, request location information, provide location information, LPP request / provide location information message, LPP capability transfer, LPP request / provide assistance data message, LPP request / provide capability message, LPP procedure, LPP capability transfer, NR message, NR request / provide location information message, NR capability transfer. NR request / provide assistance data message, NR request / provide capability message, NR procedure, NR capability transfer, and NG setup response.Response, capability exchange, positioning information request, positioning activation request, measurement request, measurement update, measurement abort, etc.

[0073] Alternatively, “computation” can be replaced with “determine”, “measurement”, or “estimate”.

[0074] Alternatively, timing correction can be replaced by timing calibration, timing differential, timing error correction, timing error calibration, timing error differential, or timing adjustment.

[0075] Optionally, the interpretation of the location information is as described above, and the second location information may be at least one of the following:

[0076] The positioning reference device obtains positioning measurement information, positioning estimation information, positioning calculation information, position measurement information, position estimation information, position calculation information, calibration information, timing error information, differential information, correction information, differential correction information, time correction information, time calibration information, time differential information, and time adjustment information by performing positioning measurements on the first device.

[0077] Based on the second location information and / or location measurement information reported or provided by the positioning reference device, the first network element can send the second location information and / or location measurement information to the first location management network element, which then calculates the location information of the positioning reference device and / or the second device. Here, the positioning reference device serves to assist the first location management network element in positioning measurements and improve positioning accuracy.

[0078] In conjunction with the second aspect, in one possible implementation of the second aspect, the method further includes: the positioning reference device sending first information to the first network element, the first information being used to indicate the capability of the positioning reference device. Here, the first network element can determine whether the positioning reference device can serve as a positioning reference device.

[0079] Alternatively, “indicating the capability of a positioning reference device” can be replaced with “indicating whether it can serve as a positioning reference device”; or, “indicating the capability of a positioning reference device” can be replaced with “indicating whether it has the capability of a positioning reference device”.

[0080] In conjunction with the second aspect, in one possible implementation of the second aspect, the method further includes: the positioning reference device sending second information to the first network element, the second information indicating the state of the positioning reference device. Here, the first network element can determine the state of the positioning reference device. For example, when the positioning reference device is movable and its movement state changes, it reports the state change to the second network element, which can then effectively select the positioning reference device based on its state.

[0081] Similarly, the state of the positioning reference device can be its motion state (motionstate / mobile state), which may include:

[0082] The positioning reference device changes from stationary to moving, moving (mobile / moving), positioning function is disabled (disable), positioning function fails, changes from moving to stationary, stationary (fixed / static / stationary), positioning function is enabled (enable), positioning function is effective, moving speed is greater than a certain value, moving speed is less than a certain value, moving speed is equal to a certain value, moving speed, moving speed belongs to or does not belong to a certain range, etc.

[0083] Optionally, the positioning reference device may also receive third information from the first network element, the third information being used to indicate the reporting status of the positioning reference device.

[0084] Alternatively, “indicate” can be replaced with “notify / inform” or “trigger”; “report” can be replaced with “send / transmit”.

[0085] In conjunction with the second aspect, in one possible implementation of the second aspect, the method further includes: the positioning reference device receiving a paging message from the first network element, the paging message being used to page the positioning reference device in an idle state. This allows the positioning reference device in the idle state to return to the connected state to perform positioning measurement work, thus making full use of the positioning reference device.

[0086] Optionally, the first positioning reference device can also receive notification messages from access network devices, which are used to notify the positioning reference device to return to the connected state. This reduces the signaling overhead of the first network element for paging the positioning reference device. The notification message can be a broadcast message, a radio resource control (RRC) message, a system information block (SIB), a system information message, a multicast message, a unicast message, etc.

[0087] Alternatively, “notify / inform” can be replaced with “indicate” or “wakeup”.

[0088] Thirdly, a positioning method is provided, including:

[0089] The first location management network element sends a fifth message to the network storage network element. The fifth message contains fifth information, which is used to discover the presence of a first network element with a positioning reference device. The positioning reference device is used for positioning measurement. The first location management network element receives information from the network storage network element about one or more first network elements with the positioning reference device, or the configuration of one or more first network elements with the positioning reference device, or network function instances of one or more first network elements with the positioning reference device.

[0090] It should be understood that the fifth piece of information can take many forms, specifically any of the following:

[0091] 1. The fifth message itself can represent the fifth information. For example, the name of the fifth message represents the fifth information; or, the fifth information is equivalent to the fifth message; or, the fifth information is the signaling represented by the fifth message; or the fifth information is the message represented by the fifth message, etc. "The fifth message contains the fifth information, and the fifth information is used to discover the existence of a first network element with a positioning reference device, and the positioning reference device is used for positioning measurement" can be equivalent to "The fifth message is used to discover the existence of a first network element with a positioning reference device, and the positioning reference device is used for positioning measurement".

[0092] 2. The fifth information can also be information elements carried in the fifth message. For example, the fifth information can be in the form of bits. For instance, a bit position of 1 indicates that the first network element to be discovered or found is the first network element with a positioning reference device; or, a bit position of 0 indicates that the first network element to be discovered or found is the first network element with a positioning reference device. Alternatively, the fifth information can be one or more information elements. For instance, carrying the one or more information elements indicates that the first network element to be discovered or found is the first network element with a positioning reference device; or, not carrying the one or more information elements indicates that the first network element to be discovered or found is the first network element with a positioning reference device. The one or more information elements may be one or more of the following, or other information elements not listed above, without limitation: target network function type (target-nf-type), target network function instance identifier (target-nf-instance-id), target network function full address domain name (target-nf-fqdn), globally unique AMFidentifier, target network function set identifier (target-nf-set-id), target network function service set identifier (target-nf-service-set-id), one or more information elements specifically used to discover the presence of a first network element for a location reference device, etc. 3. The fifth piece of information can be the IP address, port number, address, geographic address, fully qualified domain name (FQDN), callback uniform resource identifier (Callback URI), or URL of the first location management network element; or, the fifth piece of information can be the IP address, port number, address, geographic address, FQDN, callback URI, or uniform resource locator (URL) of the network storage network element; etc.

[0093] It should be understood that the word "exist" in the phrase "the existence of a first network element of a positioning reference device, or the existence of information about a first network element of a positioning reference device, or the existence of a configuration of a first network element of a positioning reference device, or the existence of a network function instance of a first network element of a positioning reference device" in this application can be understood as "exist," "register," "registered," "existing," "configured," "stored," "subscribed," "has," "have," "possess," "contain," or "include," etc. Alternatively, "discovery" can be replaced with "retrieval," "find," "query," "search," "choose," or "determine."

[0094] Alternatively, the network element in this application can be replaced by a network function instance, a network function (NF), or a network function entity, etc.

[0095] Optionally, the fifth message can be used to discover the presence of a first network element with a positioning reference device. The fifth message can be "Nnrf_NFDiscovery_Request Request" or other messages with the same function; this application does not limit this.

[0096] The information regarding the first network element / network function instance / network function / network function entity containing the positioning reference device may include part or all of the configuration information (profile) of the first network element, part or all of the service information it can provide, etc. Optionally, the second message may also include at least one of the following information:

[0097] The reference area information of the first device and / or the information of the adjacent reference areas of the reference area of ​​the first device, wherein the first device is the device being positioned. The device being positioned (UE being positioned) can be a device being positioned, a device to be positioned, a target device, or a positioning reference device, etc. In this application, the reference area information of the device is explained below and will not be repeated here.

[0098] Here, the first location management network element can discover or acquire the first network element where a positioning reference device exists, so as to further determine a suitable positioning reference device for positioning measurement.

[0099] In conjunction with the third aspect, in one possible implementation of the third aspect, the method further includes: the first location management network element receiving a seventh message, the seventh message being used to request the location information of the positioning reference device or the first device, or to request the determination of the location information of the positioning reference device or the first device, or to provide the location information of the positioning reference device or the first device. The seventh message may be “Nlmf_Location_Determine LocationRequest”; or, the seventh message may be “Namf_Location_ProvidePositioningInfo Request”.

[0100] In conjunction with the third aspect, in one possible implementation of the third aspect, the method further includes: a first location management network element sending a first message to a first network element, the first message being used to request the first network element to provide information about a positioning reference device, the first network element belonging to one or more network elements that have the positioning reference device.

[0101] Alternatively, the word “provide” can be replaced with “find / discovery / detect”, “retrieval / pick up”, or “get / obtain / acquire”.

[0102] Optionally, the first message may further include at least one of the following information:

[0103] Reference area information of the first device, information of the reference area adjacent to the reference area of ​​the first device, and first position information of the first device.

[0104] Here, the first location management network element can send the reference area information of the first device, the information of the reference area adjacent to the reference area of ​​the first device, and the first location information of the first device to the first network element, so that the first network element can effectively select a positioning reference device, so that the selected positioning reference device can further perform positioning measurement, positioning estimation, and positioning calculation on the first device, thereby improving the positioning accuracy.

[0105] In conjunction with the third aspect, in one possible implementation of the third aspect, the first network element includes: an access and mobility management function network element or a location management function network element.

[0106] In conjunction with the third aspect, in one possible implementation of the third aspect, the method further includes:

[0107] The fifth message also includes a seventh message, which indicates that the first network element is a first network element in which the positioning reference device exists in the reference area of ​​the first device and / or in the reference area adjacent to the reference area of ​​the first device, and the positioning reference device is used for positioning measurement.

[0108] The seventh information can be expressed in bits. For example, a bit position of 1 indicates that the first network element to be discovered or found is a network element with a positioning reference device existing in the reference area of ​​the first device and / or an adjacent reference area of ​​the first device's reference area; or, a bit position of 0 indicates that the first network element to be discovered or found is a network element with a positioning reference device existing in the reference area of ​​the first device and / or an adjacent reference area of ​​the first device's reference area. Alternatively, the fifth information can be represented by one or more information elements. For example, carrying the one or more information elements indicates that the first network element to be discovered or found is a network element with a positioning reference device existing in the reference area of ​​the first device and / or an adjacent reference area of ​​the first device's reference area; or, not carrying the one or more information elements indicates that the first network element to be discovered or found is a network element with a positioning reference device existing in the reference area of ​​the first device and / or an adjacent reference area of ​​the first device's reference area. The one or more information elements can be one or more of the following, or other information elements not listed above, and are not limited thereto:

[0109] Target network function type (target-nf-type), target network function instance identifier (target-nf-instance-id), target network function full address domain name (target-nf-fqdn), globally unique AMF identifier, target network function set identifier (target-nf-set-id), target network function service set identifier (target-nf-service-set-id), and one or more information cells specifically used to discover the first network element where a location reference device exists, etc.

[0110] In this application, the reference area information of the device is explained below and will not be repeated here.

[0111] Fourthly, a positioning method is provided, including:

[0112] The network storage element receives a fifth message from the first location management element. The fifth message contains fifth information, which is used to discover the presence of a first network element with a positioning reference device. The positioning reference device is used for positioning measurement. The network storage element sends information about one or more first network elements with the positioning reference device, configurations of one or more first network elements with the positioning reference device, or network function instances of one or more first network elements with the positioning reference device to the first location management element.

[0113] It should be understood that the fifth piece of information can take many forms, specifically any of the following:

[0114] 1. The fifth message itself can represent the fifth information. For example, the name of the fifth message represents the fifth information; or, the fifth information is equivalent to the fifth message; or, the fifth information is the signaling represented by the fifth message; or the fifth information is the message represented by the fifth message, etc. "The fifth message contains the fifth information, and the fifth information is used to discover the existence of a first network element with a positioning reference device, and the positioning reference device is used for positioning measurement" can be equivalent to "The fifth message is used to discover the existence of a first network element with a positioning reference device, and the positioning reference device is used for positioning measurement".

[0115] 2. The fifth information can also be information elements carried in the fifth message. For example, the fifth information can be in the form of bits. For instance, a bit position of 1 indicates that the first network element to be discovered or found is the first network element with a positioning reference device; or, a bit position of 0 indicates that the first network element to be discovered or found is the first network element with a positioning reference device. Alternatively, the fifth information can be one or more information elements. For instance, carrying the one or more information elements indicates that the first network element to be discovered or found is the first network element with a positioning reference device; or, not carrying the one or more information elements indicates that the first network element to be discovered or found is the first network element with a positioning reference device. The one or more information elements may be one or more of the following, or other information elements not listed above, without limitation: target network function type (target-nf-type), target network function instance identifier (target-nf-instance-id), target network function full address domain name (target-nf-fqdn), globally unique AMFidentifier, target network function set identifier (target-nf-set-id), target network function service set identifier (target-nf-service-set-id), one or more information elements specifically used to discover the presence of a first network element for a location reference device, etc.

[0116] 3. The fifth piece of information can be the IP address, port number, address, geographic address, fully qualified domain name (FQDN), callback uniform resource identifier (Callback URI), or URL of the first location management network element; or, the fifth piece of information can be the IP address, port number, address, geographic address, FQDN, callback URI, or uniform resource locator (URL) of the network storage network element; etc.

[0117] Optionally, the fifth message may also include at least one of the following:

[0118] The first device contains reference area information and / or information about adjacent reference areas of the first device's reference area, wherein the first device is the device being positioned. The device being positioned (UE being positioned) can be a device currently being positioned, a device to be positioned, or a target device (target UE), etc. It should be noted that the first device may also include a positioning reference device.

[0119] Here, the first location management network element can discover or acquire the first network element where a positioning reference device exists, so as to further determine a suitable positioning reference device for positioning measurement.

[0120] In conjunction with the fourth aspect, in one possible implementation of the fourth aspect, the method further includes:

[0121] The fifth message also includes a seventh message, which indicates that the first network element is a first network element in which the positioning reference device exists in the reference area of ​​the first device and / or in the reference area adjacent to the reference area of ​​the first device, and the positioning reference device is used for positioning measurement.

[0122] The detailed description of the seventh piece of information is as described above and will not be repeated here.

[0123] In this application, the reference area information of the device is explained below and will not be repeated here.

[0124] In conjunction with the fourth aspect, in one possible implementation of the fourth aspect, the first network element includes: an access and mobility management function network element or a location management function network element.

[0125] Fifthly, a positioning method is provided, including:

[0126] The second network element sends a sixth message to the first access network device. The sixth message is used to instruct the first access network device to notify the positioning reference device to return to the connected state. The positioning reference device is used for positioning measurement.

[0127] Alternatively, "indicate" can be "notify / inform".

[0128] The first access network device may be an access network device serving the first device (served by (R)AN) and / or an access network device serving the positioning reference device, wherein the first device is the device being positioned. The device being positioned (UE being positioned) may be a device currently being positioned, a device to be positioned, or a target device (target UE), etc.

[0129] The sixth piece of information further includes a broadcast periodicity, which indicates the period at which the first access network device sends a message notifying the positioning reference device of its return to the connected state. By periodically sending messages to notify the positioning reference device of its return to the connected state, air interface signaling overhead can be saved.

[0130] Alternatively, "indicate" can be "notify / inform".

[0131] Alternatively, the transmission may include broadcast, multicast, unicast, RRC messages, SIB messages, paging messages, etc.

[0132] Optionally, the sixth information may be carried in assistance data, assistance information control, N2 message, system information block (SIB), or positioning system information block (posSIB). The N2 message may also be replaced by a message between the access management network element (e.g., AMF) and the access network equipment (e.g., NG-RAN).

[0133] This allows the positioning reference device, which is in an idle state, to return to the connected state to perform positioning measurement work, thus making full use of the positioning reference device.

[0134] In conjunction with the fifth aspect, in one possible implementation of the fifth aspect, the method further includes: the second network element receiving a seventh message, the seventh message being used to request the location information of the positioning reference device or the first device, or to request to determine the location information of the positioning reference device or the first device, or to provide the location information of the positioning reference device or the first device.

[0135] In conjunction with the fifth aspect, in one possible implementation of the fifth aspect, the method further includes: the first access network device is an access network device serving the first device and / or an access network device serving the positioning reference device, wherein the first device is the device being located. In conjunction with the fifth aspect, in one possible implementation of the fifth aspect, the second network element includes: an access and mobility management function network element or a location management function network element.

[0136] The access and mobility management function network element or location management function network element may be an access and mobility management function network element (served by AMF) or a location management function network element that serves the first device and / or the positioning reference device.

[0137] In conjunction with the fifth aspect, in one possible implementation of the fifth aspect, the sixth information further includes: a transmission period, the transmission period being used to indicate the period during which the first access network device sends a message indicating that the positioning reference device has returned to the connected state. In conjunction with the fifth aspect, in one possible implementation of the fifth aspect, the method further includes: the sixth information being carried in assistance data or assistance information control or assistance information or N2 message or system information block or positioning system information block.

[0138] Therefore, through this method, positioning reference devices that are in an idle state near the first device can be notified to return to the connected state, and can be used for further positioning measurements to improve the positioning accuracy for the first device.

[0139] Sixthly, a positioning method is provided, including:

[0140] The first access network device receives a sixth message from the second network element. The sixth message is used to instruct the first access network device to notify the positioning reference device to return to the connected state. The positioning reference device is used for positioning measurement.

[0141] Alternatively, "indicate" can be "notify / inform".

[0142] The first access network device may be an access network device serving the first device (served by (R)AN) and / or an access network device serving the positioning reference device, wherein the first device is the device being positioned. The device being positioned (UE being positioned) may be a device currently being positioned, a device to be positioned, or a target device (target UE), etc.

[0143] This allows the positioning reference device, which is in an idle state, to return to the connected state to perform positioning measurement work, thus making full use of the positioning reference device. In conjunction with the sixth aspect, in one possible implementation of the sixth aspect, the sixth information further includes: a transmission period, which indicates the period at which the first access network device sends a message indicating that the positioning reference device has returned to the connected state.

[0144] The first access network device periodically sends messages to notify the positioning reference device to return to the connected state based on the sixth information. By periodically sending messages to notify the positioning reference device to return to the connected state, the overhead of air interface signaling can be saved.

[0145] Alternatively, "indicate" can be "notify / inform".

[0146] Alternatively, sending may include broadcast, multicast, unicast, RRC messages, SIB messages, paging messages, etc.

[0147] Optionally, the sixth information may be carried in assistance data, assistance information control, N2 message, system information block (SIB), or positioning system information block (posSIB). The N2 message may also be replaced by a message between the access management network element (e.g., AMF) and the access network equipment (e.g., NG-RAN).

[0148] This allows the positioning reference device, which is in an idle state, to return to the connected state to perform positioning measurement work, thus making full use of the positioning reference device.

[0149] In conjunction with the sixth aspect, in one possible implementation of the sixth aspect, the second network element includes: an access and mobility management function network element or a location management function network element.

[0150] The access and mobility management function network element or location management function network element is an access and mobility management function network element (served by AMF) or location management function network element that serves the first device and / or the positioning reference device.

[0151] Therefore, any idle positioning reference devices near the first device can be notified to return to the connected state and used for further positioning measurements to improve the positioning accuracy for the first device.

[0152] In a seventh aspect, a communication device is provided, the communication device having the function of a method for implementing any one of the first to sixth aspects, or a method for any possible implementation of any one of the first to sixth aspects. The function can be implemented by hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more units corresponding to the above-described functions.

[0153] Eighthly, a communication device is provided, including a processor and a memory. Optionally, it may also include a transceiver. The memory stores a computer program, the processor invokes and runs the computer program stored in the memory, and controls the transceiver to send and receive signals, so that the communication device performs a method as described in any one of the first to sixth aspects, or any possible implementation of any one of the first to sixth aspects.

[0154] A ninth aspect provides a communication device, including a processor and a communication interface, the communication interface being configured to receive data and / or information and transmit the received data and / or information to the processor, the processor processing the data and / or information, and the communication interface being further configured to output the processed data and / or information such that a method of any one of the first to sixth aspects, or a method of any possible implementation of any one of the first to sixth aspects, is executed.

[0155] In a tenth aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, wherein computer instructions are stored therein, which, when executed on a computer, cause the method of any one of the first to sixth aspects, or any possible implementation thereof, to be performed.

[0156] Eleventhly, a computer program product is provided, the computer program product comprising computer program code, which, when run on a computer, causes the method of any one of the first to sixth aspects, or any possible implementation of any one of the first to sixth aspects, to be executed.

[0157] In a twelfth aspect, a wireless communication system is provided, comprising one or more network elements as described in the methods of any one of the first to sixth aspects.

[0158] For example, the above-mentioned communication device is a corresponding network element in the embodiments of this application.

[0159] Optionally, the corresponding network element may be a first location management network element, a network storage network element, a first network element, a second network element, or a positioning reference device. Further optionally, the first network element may be an access and mobility management network element or a location management function network element. Attached Figure Description

[0160] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the communication system architecture of this application.

[0161] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the network service architecture used in this application to support positioning.

[0162] Figure 3 This is an example registration flowchart for the positioning reference device registration in this application.

[0163] Figure 4 This is a schematic interactive diagram used in this application to improve the positioning accuracy of the target UE.

[0164] Figure 5 This is a schematic interactive diagram of the paging and positioning reference device used in this application.

[0165] Figure 6 This is an example of an interactive diagram used in this application to improve the positioning accuracy of the target UE.

[0166] Figure 7 This is another illustrative interactive diagram used in this application to improve the positioning accuracy of the target UE.

[0167] Figure 8 This is another illustrative interactive diagram used in this application to improve the positioning accuracy of the target UE.

[0168] Figure 9 This is another illustrative interactive diagram used in this application to improve the positioning accuracy of the target UE.

[0169] Figure 10 This is a schematic block diagram of the communication device provided in this application.

[0170] Figure 11 This is a schematic structural diagram of the communication device provided in this application. Detailed Implementation

[0171] The technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0172] The technical solutions of this application can be applied to various communication systems, such as: Long Term Evolution (LTE) systems, Long Term Evolution-Advanced (LTE-A) systems, Enhanced Long Term Evolution-Advanced (eLTE) systems, the 5th Generation (5G) mobile communication systems, New Radio (NR) systems, and can also be extended to similar wireless communication systems, such as Wireless-Fidelity (WiFi), Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WIMAX), and cellular systems related to the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), as well as future communication systems.

[0173] With the rapid advancement of mobile communication technology, 5G networks are being built in a flexible and efficient manner. 5G networks can leverage communication and location awareness capabilities as a new feature. The system architecture of 5G networks can be as follows: Figure 1 As shown.

[0174] Figure 1 This is an example of a 5G communication system architecture applicable to this application. The functions of the terminal equipment and various network entities are described below.

[0175] Terminal equipment can refer to user equipment (UE), access terminal, user unit, user station, mobile station, mobile station, remote station, remote terminal, mobile device, user terminal, terminal, wireless communication equipment, user agent, or user device. Terminal equipment can also be cellular phones, cordless phones, Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) phones, Wireless Local Loop (WLL) stations, Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs), handheld devices with wireless communication capabilities, computing devices or other processing devices connected to a wireless modem, in-vehicle equipment, wearable devices, terminal equipment in 5G networks, or terminal equipment in the Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) of the Long Term Evolution (LTE) system.

[0176] Radio Access Network (RAN): A network composed of multiple 5G-RAN nodes, implementing radio physical layer functions, resource scheduling and radio resource management, radio access control, and mobility management functions. The 5G-RAN connects to the User Plane Interface (N3) and the User Platform Filter (UPF) for transmitting data from terminal equipment; it also establishes a control plane signaling connection with the AMF (Ambient Light Filter) through the Control Plane Interface (N2) for implementing functions such as radio access bearer control.

[0177] Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF): Primarily responsible for terminal device registration, authentication, terminal device mobility management, receiving radio access network-related signaling, network slice selection, etc.; serves as the anchor point for N1 and N2 signaling connections, and provides routing for N1 / N2 session management (SM) messages for the Session Management Function (SMF); maintains and manages the status information of terminal devices.

[0178] Session Management Function (SMF): Primarily responsible for all control plane functions of terminal device session management, including selection of user plane function (UPF), Internet Protocol (IP) address allocation, session quality of service (QoS) management, and obtaining policy and charging control (PCC) policies (from PCF).

[0179] Unified data management (UDM): Primarily used to manage and control terminal device data, such as the management of subscription information, including obtaining subscription information from the unified data repository (UDR) and providing it to other network elements (e.g., AMF); generating authentication credentials for the third-generation partnership project (3GPP) for terminal devices; and registering and maintaining the network elements currently serving the terminal devices, such as the AMF currently serving the terminal devices.

[0180] The authentication server function (AUSF) is used to perform security authentication on terminal devices when they access the network.

[0181] The network slice selection function (NSSF) selects a set of slice instances for the terminal device and determines the AMF set and allowed NSSAI for the terminal device.

[0182] Policy control function (PCF): Responsible for terminal device policy management, including mobility-related policies and session-related policies, providing policy information for managing terminal devices to network control plane elements (e.g., AMF, SMF). Examples include Quality of Service (QoS) policies and charging policies.

[0183] Application function (AF): Interacts with core network elements to provide services, such as interacting with PCF to control service policies and providing data network access point information to PCF to generate routing information for corresponding data services.

[0184] UPF: As the anchor point for protocol data unit (PDU) session connections, it is responsible for filtering data packets from terminal devices, transmitting / forwarding data, controlling rates, and generating billing information.

[0185] Figure 1 Interfaces between various network elements, such as Figure 1 As shown in the image.

[0186] It should be noted that, Figure 1 The network architecture involved may also include other network elements or devices, such as the unified data repository (UDR), network repository function (NRF), and network exposure function (NEF), without specific limitations. Figure 1 The names of the various network elements and the interfaces between them may be different, and this application does not specifically limit them.

[0187] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a network service architecture used to support location services. Figure 2 As shown, this architecture is Figure 1It is an extension based on the architecture shown. For example, it adds several functional entities such as gateway mobile locationcenter (GMLC), location retrieval function (LRF), location service client (LCS client), and location management function (LMF) to support location service functions.

[0188] In the above Figure 1 and Figure 2 The interface names and functions between various network elements are as follows:

[0189] 1) N1: The interface between AMF and terminal equipment, which can be used to transmit QoS control rules to the terminal.

[0190] 2) N2: The interface between AMF and RAN, which can be used to transmit radio bearer control information from the core network side to the RAN.

[0191] 3) N3: The interface between RAN and UPF, mainly used to transmit uplink and downlink user plane data between RAN and UPF.

[0192] 4) N4: The interface between SMF and UPF, which can be used to transmit information between the control plane and the user plane, including the distribution of forwarding rules, QoS control rules, traffic statistics rules, etc. from the control plane to the user plane, as well as the reporting of information from the user plane.

[0193] 5) N5: The interface between AF and PCF, which can be used for application service request issuance and network event reporting.

[0194] 6) N6: The interface between UPF and DN, used to transmit uplink and downlink user data streams between UPF and DN.

[0195] 7) N7: The interface between PCF and SMF, which can be used to issue PDU session granularity and business data flow granularity control policies.

[0196] 8) N8: The interface between AMF and UDM, which can be used by AMF to obtain access and mobility management related subscription data and authentication data from UDM, as well as by AMF to obtain current mobility management related information of registered terminals from UDM.

[0197] 9) N9: User plane interface between UPFs, used to transmit uplink and downlink user data streams between UPFs.

[0198] 10) N10: The interface between SMF and UDM, which can be used by SMF to obtain session management-related subscription data from UDM, and by SMF to obtain information related to the current session of the registered terminal from UDM.

[0199] 11) N11: The interface between SMF and AMF, which can be used to transmit PDU session tunnel information between RAN and UPF, transmit control messages sent to the terminal, and transmit radio resource control information sent to RAN, etc.

[0200] 12) N12: The interface between AMF and AUSF, which can be used by AMF to initiate the authentication process to AUSF, and can carry the subscription concealed identifier (SUCI) as the subscription identifier.

[0201] 13) N13: The interface between UDM and AUSF, which can be used by AUSF to obtain the user authentication vector from UDM in order to execute the authentication process.

[0202] 14) N15: The interface between PCF and AMF, which can be used to issue terminal policies and access control related policies.

[0203] 15) N17: Control plane interface between LMFs, used to transmit interactive signaling between LMFs.

[0204] 16) NL1: The interface between AMF and LMF, which can be used to transmit mobility management-related information and control policies.

[0205] 17) NL2: The interface between AMF and GMLC, which can be used to issue client policies and access control related policies.

[0206] 18)Le: The interface between the LCS client and the GMLC, which can be used to transmit client policies and access control related policies issued by the core network, or to upload request signaling related to client location services.

[0207] The aforementioned network element or function can be a network component in a hardware device, a software function running on dedicated hardware, or a virtualized function instantiated on a platform (e.g., a cloud platform). Optionally, the aforementioned network element or function can be implemented by one device, multiple devices working together, or a functional module within a single device; this application embodiment does not specifically limit this.

[0208] The access network device in this application embodiment can be a wireless access network device.

[0209] In addition, the term "network element" in this article can also be referred to as a network function instance, network function (NF), device, apparatus or module, etc., and this application does not specifically limit it.

[0210] For example, in some network architectures, network function entities such as AMF, LMF, NRF, and UDM are all called network function (NF) network elements; or, in other network architectures, the collection of network elements such as AMF, LMF, NRF, and UDM can be called control plane function (CPF) network elements.

[0211] It should be understood that Figure 1 and Figure 2 This is merely an exemplary network architecture, and the network architecture applicable to the embodiments of this application is not limited thereto. Any network architecture capable of implementing the functions of the above-mentioned network elements is applicable to the embodiments of this application.

[0212] Additionally, the reference area information mentioned in this article can be: reference area information of a device, wherein the device can be a terminal device, user equipment, positioning reference device, first device, etc. This reference area information can include at least one of the following: location area information under the access network device providing services to the device, which can include the identifier of the cell where the device is located and / or the identifier of the access network device; or, the location area information of the device under its target access network device, the cell global identifier (CGI), the identifier of the access network device, the identifier of the tracking area, the identifier of the PLMN, the global positioning system (GPS) geographic location information, sector identifier, physical cell identifier (PCI), antenna identifier, distributed unit (DU) identifier, centralized unit (CU) identifier, transmit / receive point (TRP) identifier, etc.

[0213] The identifiers for access network equipment can be next-generation nodeB identifiers (gNBID), next-generation radio access network identifiers (NG-RAN ID), etc., and the identifiers for tracking areas can be tracking area identifiers (TAI), tracking area codes (TAC), etc.

[0214] The information of adjacent reference areas can be information of the reference areas adjacent to the device's reference area, for example, it can be at least one of the following: the identifier of the adjacent cell (CGI), the identifier of the adjacent access network device, the identifier of the adjacent tracking area, the identifier of the adjacent PLMN. It can also include GPS geographic location information, adjacent sector identifiers, adjacent PCI, adjacent antenna identifiers, adjacent DU identifiers, adjacent CU identifiers, adjacent TRP identifiers, etc.

[0215] The identifiers for access network devices can be gNBID, NG-RAN ID, EUTRAN ID, eNB ID, etc., and the identifiers for tracking areas can be TAI, TAC, etc.

[0216] The following section uses a network element in a 5G system (5GS) as an example to introduce the specific solution details. It is understood that this solution can be applied to 5G systems or future communication systems.

[0217] The 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) Release 16, frozen in June 2020, introduced positioning functionality for 5G base stations. Its application scenarios are mainly divided into two categories: wide-area positioning scenarios and local-area positioning scenarios. To improve positioning accuracy in these scenarios, the industry has proposed using positioning reference devices to enhance positioning accuracy. According to the 3GPP RAN1 assessment, positioning reference devices can help improve positioning accuracy; however, how to select a suitable positioning reference device to improve positioning accuracy remains unknown. Therefore, there is an urgent need to propose a method to determine a suitable positioning reference device.

[0218] It should be noted that the solutions in this application embodiment can also be applied to scenarios of fusion perception and positioning. That is, "positioning" in this application embodiment can be replaced with "perception" or fusion positioning and perception.

[0219] Before a positioning reference device is selected for positioning measurements, it can first send its own information to the core network elements so that the core network elements can manage the positioning reference device. Below, in conjunction with the appendix... Figure 3 Let me explain the process in detail.

[0220] In the various embodiments of this application, unless otherwise specified or in case of logical conflict, the terminology and / or descriptions between different embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. The technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments according to their inherent logical relationship.

[0221] Figure 3 The process of registering a positioning reference device to a first network element is illustrated.

[0222] The first network element can be an access management function network element (e.g., an access and mobility management function network element, an AMF network element) or a location management network element (e.g., a location management function network element, an LMF network element).

[0223] It should be understood that sending the location reference device information to the first network element means that the first network element possesses the location reference device information. This can also be understood as registering, configuring, or subscribing to the location reference device with the first network element. In this way, the location reference device can be managed subsequently through the first network element.

[0224] Specifically, the information of the positioning reference device can be related information of the positioning reference device, such as part or all of the registration information of the positioning reference device; or part or all of the contract information; or part or all of the context; or part or all of the pre-configuration information; or part or all of the network configuration of the positioning reference device; or part or all of the network configuration information of the positioning reference device; or part or all of the configuration information, etc.

[0225] In step S310, the positioning reference device sends first information to the first network element, the first information indicating the capability of the positioning reference device. The first network element receives the first information from the positioning reference device.

[0226] Specifically, the capability or capability information of the positioning reference device is used to indicate whether the device can serve as a positioning reference device; or, the capability or capability information of the positioning reference device may be whether the device possesses the capability of a positioning reference device.

[0227] Optionally, the capability information of the positioning reference device described in this application may include: whether the device can be used as a positioning reference device;

[0228] Alternatively, "indicating the capability of a positioning reference device" can be replaced with "indicating whether the capability of a positioning reference device is available";

[0229] It should be understood that the capabilities of the positioning reference device or the capability information of the positioning reference device described herein may include: whether the device can serve as a positioning reference device, for example, whether the device possesses the relevant functions of the positioning reference device described above; the capability information of the positioning reference device used to indicate the capability of the positioning reference device may be indicated by binary bits, for example, when a bit is 1, it indicates that the device possesses the capability of a positioning reference device, and when a bit is 0, it indicates that the device does not possess the capability of a positioning reference device; or, when a bit is 0, it indicates that the device possesses the capability of a positioning reference device, and when a bit is 1, it indicates that the device does not possess the capability of a positioning reference device; or, carrying a bit indicating whether the device possesses the capability of a positioning reference device indicates that the device possesses the capability of a positioning reference device, and not carrying a bit indicating whether the device possesses the capability of a positioning reference device indicates that the device does not possess the capability of a positioning reference device; or, not carrying a bit indicating whether the device possesses the capability of a positioning reference device indicates that the device possesses the capability of a positioning reference device, and carrying a bit indicating whether the device possesses the capability of a positioning reference device indicates that the device does not possess the capability of a positioning reference device. Alternatively, the capability information of the positioning reference device can be used to indicate the capability of the positioning reference device by carrying other relevant information. For example, carrying one or more information cells indicates that the device has the capability of the positioning reference device, and not carrying one or more information cells indicates that the device does not have the capability of the positioning reference device; or, not carrying one or more information cells indicates that the device has the capability of the positioning reference device, and carrying one or more information cells indicates that the device does not have the capability of the positioning reference device.

[0230] For example, the capability of the positioning reference device or the capability information of the positioning reference device or the first information may be carried in any one or more of the following messages or elements, which are not limited in this application:

[0231] Registration request, registration complete, deregistration accept, deregistration request, service request, service reject, service accept, control plane service request, uplink non-access stratum transport (UL NAS transport), mobile originated location request (MO-LR), authentication response, authentication failure, configuration update complete, identity response, notification response, security mode complete, security mode reject, security protected 5GS NAS message, 5G mobility management status (5GMM status), network slice-specific authentication complete, LPP protocol packet data unit (LPP PDU), NR protocol data unit (NRpositioning protocol packet data unit).NPP PDU / NRPP PDU, LPP message, request capabilities, provide capabilities, request assistance data, provide assistance data, request location information, provide location information, LPP request / provide location information message, LPP capability transfer, LPP request / provide assistance data message, LPP request / provide capability message, LPP procedure, LPP capability transfer, NR message, NR request / provide location information message, NR capability transfer, NR request / provide assistance data message, NR request / provide capability message, NR procedure, NR capability transfer, PDU session establishment request. Requests include PDU session modification requests, PDU session release requests, remote UE reports, NG setup requests, Transmitter Receiver Point Information Responses (TRPs), and capability exchanges.

[0232] Additionally, the positioning reference device can also report its identifier, location information, and whether it is movable to the first network element. This information can also be carried in one or more of the aforementioned messages or information elements, which is not limited in this application. Specifically, the location information of the positioning reference device can be pre-configured geographic coordinate information configured by the operator; it can also be location information measured, calculated, or estimated using positioning methods. For example, it can be location information measured, calculated, or estimated using one or more of the following positioning methods:

[0233] Global Navigation Satellite System, dynamic real-time differential, radar, observational time difference of arrival, uplink time difference of arrival, downlink time difference of arrival, uplink angle of arrival, downlink angle of departure, WLAN-based positioning methods, Bluetooth-based positioning methods, multiple round-trip time delay, time difference of arrival, enhanced cell identification, ground beacon system positioning, sensor-based positioning; etc.

[0234] Specifically, the information regarding whether a positioning reference device can move can specify whether the bit reference device has the attribute or parameter of movement, or whether the bit reference device is a non-movable device, or whether the bit reference device supports movement, or whether the bit reference device does not support movement, or whether the bit reference device is a moving device, or whether the bit reference device is a stationary or fixed device.

[0235] For example, the attribute or parameter of whether the positioning reference device can move can be "moving", "stationary" or "semi-stationary", etc., and this application does not limit it.

[0236] Optionally, as described above regarding the positioning reference device, the positioning reference device can be an access network device or part of an access network device, and the first network element can be an AMF. The access network device or part of an access network device can send an NG setup request message to the AMF, carrying information about its capability to become a positioning reference device. This message may also include the identifier of the access network device, a list of TAIs, etc.

[0237] Specifically, a part of the access network equipment can refer to the DU, CU, TRP, etc. of the access network equipment.

[0238] Optionally, as described above regarding the positioning reference device, the positioning reference device can be an access network device or part of an access network device. The first network element can be an LMF. The access network device or part of an access network device can send a Transmission Receive Point Feedback Message (TRP information response) to the LMF, which contains capability information to become a positioning reference device.

[0239] Alternatively, the access network device sends a transmission receiving point feedback message to the LMF network element. This message includes information on whether one or more DU / TRPs controlled / managed by the access network device have the capability to become positioning reference devices.

[0240] Specifically, a part of the access network equipment can refer to the DU, CU, TRP, etc. of the access network equipment.

[0241] In step S320, the first network element can determine the capability of the positioning reference device and whether it can move based on the first information reported by the positioning reference device, the information on whether it can move, and other information.

[0242] Specifically, the first network element determines whether the device has the capability to become a positioning reference device based on the first information.

[0243] Optionally, the first network element may also obtain information on whether the device has the capability to become a positioning reference device from the device's registration information, configuration information, contract information, or context.

[0244] Specifically, the first network element determines whether the device can move based on information about whether it can move.

[0245] Optionally, the first network element may also obtain information on whether the device is capable of movement from the device's registration information, configuration information, contract information, or context.

[0246] Optionally, as described in step S310 above, the positioning reference device can also report its own location information.

[0247] Specifically, the first network element can compare the error range between the location information provided by the positioning reference device itself and the contract information, configuration information, or the location information of the positioning reference device in the context to see if it meets the first condition; if the condition is met, the first network element can store the location information reported by the positioning reference device in the information of the positioning reference device.

[0248] It should be understood that the first condition described in this application, by way of example, may refer to: the location information of the positioning reference device being greater than, less than or equal to a certain specific value; or, the location information of the positioning reference device belonging to or not belonging to a certain range; or, the error between the location information of the positioning reference device and the location information in the context of the positioning reference device being greater than, less than or equal to a certain specific value or a certain specific range, etc., which are not limited in this application.

[0249] Optionally, if the information reported by the positioning reference device does not include the location information of the positioning reference device, the first network element may request the LMF to measure the location information of the positioning reference device and store it in the information of the positioning reference device, for example, it may be stored in the subscription information, registration information, configuration information or context information of the positioning reference device.

[0250] In step S330, if the device has the ability to locate the reference device, it can be registered in the first network element.

[0251] Specifically, the first network element sends an eighth message to the network storage network element, which indicates that the positioning reference device exists in the first network element. The network storage network element receives the eighth message from the first network element and can update the network function profile (NF Profile) information of the first network element.

[0252] Optionally, the eighth message can be the Network Function Management Update Request message "Nnrf_NFManagement_NFUpdate Request".

[0253] Specifically, registering the positioning reference device in the first network element can be achieved by having information about the positioning reference device existing in the first network element. This information can be related to the positioning reference device, such as part or all of the registration information, contract information, configuration information, context information, or other relevant information. This application does not limit the scope of the information.

[0254] Alternatively, if the device does not have the ability to locate the reference device, it can also be registered in the first network element, but the first network element does not need to send the eighth message to the network storage network element.

[0255] In step S340, the first network element sends third information to the positioning reference device, which is used to indicate the reporting status of the positioning reference device.

[0256] Optionally, the positioning reference device can be an access network device or part of an access network device. The first network element can be an AMF. The AMF sends an NG setup response message to the access network device, which may include the aforementioned third information.

[0257] Optionally, the positioning reference device can be an access network device or part of an access network device. The first network element can be an LMF. The LMF sends a transmission receiving point reply message to the access network device, which may carry the aforementioned third information.

[0258] Specifically, if the positioning reference device is movable, the first network element can send the third information to the positioning reference device.

[0259] It should be understood that the third information, used to indicate the reporting status of the positioning reference device, may include:

[0260] The motion state of the positioning reference device may include:

[0261] The positioning reference device may change from stationary to moving, move, positioning function disabled, positioning function disabled, change from moving to stationary, stationary, positioning function enabled, positioning function effective, moving speed greater than a certain value, moving speed less than a certain value, moving speed equal to a certain value, moving speed, moving speed belonging to or not belonging to a certain range, etc. This application does not limit the content to be reported; as long as the meaning is clear, it is acceptable.

[0262] When the status of the positioning reference device changes, it needs to report the current status information to the first network element.

[0263] Optionally, if the positioning reference device cannot be moved, the first network element may not send the third information to the positioning reference device.

[0264] It should be understood that when the positioning reference device moves, performing positioning measurements may affect the accuracy of the measurements. Therefore, the positioning reference device needs to report its status information to the first network element. Based on the status information reported by the positioning reference device, the first network element can dynamically select the positioning reference device.

[0265] Optionally, in step S350, the positioning reference device sends second information to the first network element, the second information being used to indicate the status of the positioning reference device.

[0266] It should be understood that the second information may be reported to the first network element after the positioning reference device receives the third information from the first network element, or it may be reported to the first network element spontaneously by the positioning reference device. This application does not limit this.

[0267] Optionally, the first network element may also obtain the status of the positioning reference device from the subscription information, registration information, configuration information, or context information of the positioning reference device.

[0268] As mentioned above, based on Figure 3The process shown can report or send the information of the positioning reference device to the first network element, enabling the first network element to manage the positioning reference device and making it more convenient to select a suitable positioning reference device for positioning measurement.

[0269] Figure 4 This paper provides a detailed explanation of how to select a suitable positioning reference device to improve the positioning accuracy of the first device. Figure 4 This is a schematic interactive diagram of the positioning method used in this application to improve the positioning accuracy of the first device.

[0270] The positioning reference device can be one or more, and the first device can also be one or more (targetUE or group of target UEs), which is not limited in this application.

[0271] For example, the first device may be a designated device, a target terminal device to be located, a terminal device to be located, a target terminal device to be located, a terminal device to be located, a target terminal device to be located, a device to be located, a target terminal device to obtain location information, a device to obtain location information, other devices of the NF that require its location information, other terminal devices of the NF that require its location information, etc., and this application does not limit it in this way.

[0272] Alternatively, the first device may also include a positioning reference device, which is not limited in this application.

[0273] In step S410, the first location management network element performs a first positioning process on the first device to obtain first location information. The first location management network element may be an LMF that provides positioning services for the first device.

[0274] Optionally, the first location management network element receives a seventh message, which is used to request the location information of the first device, or to request the determination of the location information of the first device, or to provide the location information of the first device.

[0275] Specifically, the seventh message used to request the determination of the location information of the first device can be "Nlmf_Location_Determine Location Request";

[0276] Specifically, the seventh message used to request location information of the first device can be "Namf_Location_ProvidePositioningInfo Request".

[0277] Specifically, the first location information is as described above and will not be repeated here.

[0278] In step S412, the first location management network element sends a fifth message to the network storage network element. This fifth message contains fifth information, which is used to discover the presence of one or more positioning reference devices in the first network element. The network storage network element receives the fifth message from the first location management network element.

[0279] The fifth message can be “Nnrf_NFDiscovery_Request Request”, and this application does not limit it.

[0280] Optionally, the fifth message may include reference area information of the first device and / or information of adjacent reference areas of the first device's reference area. The reference area information of the first device and / or information of adjacent reference areas of the first device's reference area are as described above and will not be repeated here.

[0281] Specifically, the reference area information of the first device and / or the information of the adjacent reference areas of the first device's reference area are used to characterize the reference area of ​​the first device.

[0282] It should be understood that this fifth message can be used to query the first network element in the aforementioned reference area where a positioning reference device exists.

[0283] Optionally, the network element type to which the first network element belongs can also be filtered and queried. For example, the fifth message can be used to query whether there is a network element of type AMF within the reference area of ​​the first device that provides a location reference device, which will be referred to as AMF#A below.

[0284] In step S414, the network storage element determines the first network element according to the fifth message. The first network element can be one or more, and this application does not limit this.

[0285] Alternatively, the term "determine" can be replaced with "find / discovery", "query", "search", "retrieval", etc., and this application does not limit the term.

[0286] The message corresponding to "extract" may be "Nnrf_NFManagement_NFListRetrievalRequest" or "Nnrf_NFManagement_NFListRetrieval Request", which is not limited in this application.

[0287] In step S416, the network storage element sends a sixth message to the first location management element, the sixth message including or carrying information about one or more location reference devices. The first location management element receives the sixth message from the network storage element.

[0288] The sixth message can be “Nnrf_NFDiscovery_Request Response”, and this application does not limit it.

[0289] Specifically, the sixth message may include the network function configuration information (NF profile) of one or more first network elements with location reference devices; or, the configuration information of one or more first network elements with location reference devices; or, the registration information of one or more first network elements with location reference devices; or, the subscription information of one or more first network elements with location reference devices; or, the context information of one or more first network elements with location reference devices. This application does not limit this.

[0290] In step S418, the first location management network element sends a first message to the first network element, which requests the first network element to provide information about the positioning reference device. The first network element receives the first message.

[0291] Specifically, the first message may include the first location information of the first device obtained by the first location management network element.

[0292] Alternatively, the first message may include reference area information of the first device;

[0293] Alternatively, the first message may include information about adjacent reference areas of the reference area of ​​the first device.

[0294] Alternatively, the first message may include reference area information of the first device, information of adjacent reference areas of the reference area of ​​the first device, and first location information of the first device.

[0295] In step S420, the first network element determines one or more suitable positioning reference devices based on the first message, denoted as the first positioning reference device; the first positioning reference device is used for positioning measurement. The first positioning reference device is a type of positioning reference device, or in other words, the positioning reference device includes the first positioning reference device.

[0296] Alternatively, the first positioning reference device may be one or more, and this application does not limit this.

[0297] Alternatively, the term "determine" can be replaced with "discover," "query," "search," "extract," etc., and this application does not limit this.

[0298] Alternatively, the term "positioning measurement" can be replaced with "positioning estimate", "positioning computation", "location computation", "location measurement", "location estimate", etc., and this application does not limit the term.

[0299] Specifically, the first network element can determine the first positioning reference device based on at least one piece of information in the first message.

[0300] For example, when the first network element determines the first positioning reference device based on the first location information of the first device, the first network element can determine the positioning reference device whose distance from the first location is less than a threshold #3 as the first positioning reference device. The threshold #3 can be set by itself and is not limited in this application.

[0301] Alternatively, when the first network element determines the first positioning reference device based on the reference area information of the first device, the first network element can determine the positioning reference device in the area determined by the cell where the first device is located as the first positioning reference device.

[0302] Alternatively, when the first device is located at the edge of at least one cell, the first network element can determine the first positioning reference device based on the information of the adjacent reference areas of the first device's reference area. In this case, the first network element can determine the positioning reference device in the area determined by the adjacent cell of the first device as the first positioning reference device.

[0303] Optionally, the first network element may also combine the first location information of the first device and / or the reference area information of the first device and / or the information of the adjacent reference areas of the reference area of ​​the first device, as well as the status of the positioning reference device registered in the first network element, to determine the first positioning reference device.

[0304] It should be understood that if a positioning reference device is moving and its speed reaches threshold #4, which would disable its positioning function or result in inaccurate positioning measurement information, the first network element will not select this positioning reference device as the first positioning reference device to locate the first device requiring high-precision positioning. Conversely, if a positioning reference device is stationary or its speed has not yet reached threshold #4, and its positioning function is enabled, the first network element will select this positioning reference device as the first positioning reference device to assist in positioning measurements for the first device. This threshold #4 can be set independently based on the positioning accuracy requirements of the first device, and is not limited in this application.

[0305] In step S422, the first network element sends a second message to the first location management network element, the second message including a first positioning reference device determined by the first network element. The first location management network element receives the second message from the first network element.

[0306] Specifically, the second message includes information about the first positioning reference device. The information about the first positioning reference device may be related information about the first positioning reference device, which may be part or all of the registration information, contract information, configuration information, context, etc. of the first positioning reference device, etc. This application does not limit this information.

[0307] Specifically, the information of the first positioning reference device may include the identification information of the first positioning reference device. The identification information of the first positioning reference device may be a subscription permanent identifier (SUPI), a subscription concealed identifier (SUCI), a generic public subscription identifier (GPSI), a permanent equipment identifier (PEI), an international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI), etc., which are not limited in this application.

[0308] Optionally, the identification information of the first positioning reference device can also be a name that uniquely identifies the first positioning reference device, named as a string.

[0309] In step S424, the first location management network element sends a third message to the first positioning reference device. This third message may include the first device's identification information, positioning method, QoS information, positioning parameters, etc. The first positioning reference device receives the third message from the first location management network element.

[0310] Optionally, the third message may also include the first location information of the first device.

[0311] Specifically, the positioning method includes one or more positioning methods described above, which may include one or more LTE positioning protocol (LPP) positioning methods and / or NR positioning protocol A (NRPPa) positioning methods, etc.

[0312] Specifically, the LPP positioning method may include one or more of the following positioning methods:

[0313] Positioning measurement methods include downlink time difference of arrival (DL-TDOA), downlink angle of departure (DL-AOD), multi-round-trip time (Multi-RTT), enhanced cell identification (E-CID), uplink time difference of arrival (UL-TDOA), uplink angle of arrival (UL-AoA), Assisted Global Navigation Satellite System (A-GNSS), sensor-based, Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN), Bluetooth, and Terrestrial Beacon System (TBS).

[0314] Specifically, NRPPa includes one or more of the following positioning methods:

[0315] NR enhanced cell identification (NR E-CID) positioning measurement method, and observed time difference of arrival (OTDOA) positioning measurement method, etc.

[0316] In step S426, the first positioning reference device performs positioning measurement processing and / or positioning calculation processing to obtain one or more positioning measurement information and / or positioning estimation information and / or positioning calculation information.

[0317] In step S428, the first positioning reference device sends fourth information to the first location management network element. The first location management network element receives the fourth information from the first positioning reference device.

[0318] Specifically, the fourth piece of information may include at least one of the following:

[0319] The positioning measurement information of the first positioning reference device and / or the second position information and / or positioning measurement information. The second position information is used to indicate the position of the first device measured / estimated / calculated by the first positioning reference device, and the positioning measurement information is used for time correction, time calibration, time difference, time difference correction, time difference calibration, time difference differential, time adjustment, etc. This application does not limit the scope of the comparison.

[0320] For example, the aforementioned fourth piece of information can be transmitted in the N1 message.

[0321] Alternatively, the aforementioned fourth piece of information can also be transmitted in the N2 message.

[0322] Alternatively, the aforementioned fourth information can also be transmitted in an N2 message that is unrelated to the first device.

[0323] In step S430, the first location management network element determines the location information of the first device based on the second location information and / or positioning measurement information of the first device included in the fourth information.

[0324] Optionally, "determining the location information of the first device" can also be "acquiring the location information of the first device", "calculating the location information of the first device", or "estimating the location information of the first device", and this application does not limit the comparison.

[0325] In this embodiment, at least one first positioning reference device that can assist the positioning of the first location management network element is selected to perform auxiliary positioning measurements on the first device, and multiple measurement results of the first device are obtained. The results of summarizing and calculating can improve the positioning accuracy of the first device.

[0326] In addition, in order to ensure that the qualified positioning reference devices can be fully utilized, the second network element can send a notification message to the positioning reference devices in the idle state before the first network element determines one or more positioning reference devices that can perform positioning measurements, so that the positioning reference devices in the idle state return to the connected state for the first network element to select.

[0327] Figure 5 This is an interactive schematic diagram used to notify the idle-state positioning reference device to return to the connected state. In step S510, the second network element sends a sixth message to the first access network device. The sixth message is used to instruct the first access network device to notify the positioning reference device to return to the connected state.

[0328] The second network element may include an access and mobility management function network element or a location management function network element that serves the first device; the first access network device is an access network device that serves the first device.

[0329] Specifically, the sixth message may be carried in the assistance data or assistance information control or assistance information or N2 message or system information block or positioning system information block.

[0330] Optionally, the sixth piece of information further includes: a transmission period, which is used to indicate the period during which the first access network device sends a message that the located reference device has returned to the connected state.

[0331] In step S520, the first access network device sends a notification message to the positioning reference device in the idle state, causing the positioning reference device in the idle state to return to the connected state.

[0332] Specifically, the notification message can be an RRC message, SIB message, multicast message, unicast message, broadcast message, paging message, etc.

[0333] Optionally, the first access network device may also periodically send messages to notify the positioning reference device to return to the connected state, according to the transmission period in the sixth information.

[0334] Figure 6 As one possible embodiment, an example of an LMF network element as a first location management network element, an example of an AMF network element as a first network element, an example of an NRF network element as a network storage network element, an example of a PRU as a location reference device, and an example of a target UE as a first device will be described in detail.

[0335] In step S610, the LCS client sends a location service request message "LCS ServiceRequest" to the GMLC. This location service request message is used to request the determination of the target UE's location information. The GMLC receives the location service request message from the LCS client.

[0336] Specifically, the location service request message includes the identifier of the target UE, the required QoS information, and the supported geographical area description (GAD) information.

[0337] Specifically, the identifier of the target UE can be SUPI, SUCI, GPSI, PEI, IMSI, etc., and this application does not limit it.

[0338] Specifically, the QoS information may include the accuracy information of the location measurement results, the feedback time information of the location measurement results, etc., wherein the accuracy information of the location measurement results includes centimeters, decimeters, meters, etc., and the feedback time information of the location measurement results includes whether immediate feedback is required or feedback can be provided after a certain period of time.

[0339] Specifically, the GAD information can be GPS location coordinates expressed in latitude and longitude.

[0340] In step S612, the GMLC sends a UE service function network element acquisition request message "Nudm_UECM_GetRequest" to the UDM. This request message is used to request the function network elements that provide services for the UE. The UDM receives the function network element request message from the GMLC and returns the identifiers of the function network elements required to provide services for the UE.

[0341] Specifically, the request information includes the identifier of the target UE and the required functional network element type, for example, the required functional network element type is an AMF network element, denoted as AMF#B network element.

[0342] In step S614, the GMLC sends a location information request message "Namf_Location_ProvidePositioningInfo Request" to the AMF#B network element. This location request information is used to request the location of the target UE. The AMF#B network element receives this location request information.

[0343] Specifically, the location request information includes the target UE's identifier, QoS information, and LCS client type identifier.

[0344] In step S616, if the AMF#B network element discovers that the target UE is in an idle state (CM-IDLE), the AMF#B network element triggers the network-triggered service request procedure "Network Triggered Service Request" to page the target UE back to the connected state (CM-CONNECTED).

[0345] In step S618, the AMF#B network element sends a location determination request message “Nlmf_Location_DetermineLocation Request” to the LMF network element serving the target UE, denoted as LMF#B network element. The LMF#B network element receives the location determination request message.

[0346] Specifically, the location determination request message includes the identifier of the target UE, the identifier of the AMF#B network element, QoS information, and the type identifier of the LCS client.

[0347] In step S620, the LMF#B network element triggers one or more LPP and / or NRPPa positioning processing procedures to perform the first positioning process on the target UE according to the determined positioning request message, obtains one or more measurement values ​​corresponding to one or more positioning processing procedures, and calculates the first location information of the target UE. The positioning processing procedure can be the positioning processing procedure corresponding to any of the positioning methods described above.

[0348] One or more of the above measurements, for example, can be carried in the N1 message notification "Namf_Communication_N1MessageNotify".

[0349] Alternatively, it can be included in the N2 message notification as "N2InfoNotify".

[0350] Alternatively, it can be carried in a non-UE-related N2 message as "NonUEN2MessageTransfer".

[0351] The aforementioned N1 message notification, N2 message notification, or non-UE-related N2 message may also carry the cell identifier (e.g., GCI) of the target UE. In addition, it may also carry the identification information (GCI) of one or more neighboring cells adjacent to the cell of the target UE, etc.

[0352] In step S622, the LMF#B network element sends a fifth message to the NRF network element. This fifth message contains fifth information, which is used to discover an AMF network element containing one or more PRUs (Programmable Instances of Units), denoted as AMF#A. The NRF network element receives the fifth message from the LMF#B network element.

[0353] The fifth message can be “Nnrf_NFDiscovery_Request Request” or other messages with the same function, such as new messages with different names but the same function. This application does not limit this.

[0354] Optionally, the fifth message may include reference area information of the target UE and / or information of adjacent reference areas of the target UE's reference area. The reference area information of the target UE and / or the information of adjacent reference areas of the first device's reference area are as described above and will not be repeated here.

[0355] Specifically, the reference area information of the target UE and / or the information of adjacent reference areas of the target UE's reference area are used to characterize the reference area of ​​the target UE. The reference area of ​​the device is as described above and will not be repeated here.

[0356] It should be understood that this fifth message can be used to query AMF#A network elements within the aforementioned reference area.

[0357] In step S624, the NRF network element determines the AMF#A network element according to the fifth message. This AMF#A network element can be one or more, and this application does not limit this.

[0358] Alternatively, the term "determine" can be replaced with "discover," "query," "search," "extract," etc., and this application does not limit this.

[0359] The message corresponding to "extract" can be "Nnrf_NFManagement_NFListRetrievalRequest" or "Nnrf_NFManagement_NFListRetrieval Request", or it can be other messages with the same function, such as new messages with different names but the same function. This application does not limit this.

[0360] In step S626, the NRF network element sends a sixth message to the LMF#B network element. This sixth message can be a reply to the fifth message and may contain information from the AMF#A network element. The LMF#B network element receives the sixth message from the NRF network element.

[0361] The sixth message can be “Nnrf_NFDiscovery_Request Response”, or it can be other messages with the same function, such as new messages with different names but the same function. This application does not limit this.

[0362] Specifically, the information of the AMF#A network element may include, for example, the network function configuration information (NFprofile) of the AMF#A network element. This application does not limit this.

[0363] In step S628, the LMF#B network element sends a first message to the AMF#A network element, which requests the AMF#A network element to provide PRU information. The AMF#A network element receives the first message.

[0364] Specifically, the first message may include the first location information of the target UE obtained by the LMF#B network element.

[0365] Alternatively, the first message may include reference area information of the target UE;

[0366] Alternatively, the first message may include information about adjacent reference areas of the target UE's reference area.

[0367] In step S630, the AMF#A network element determines one or more PRUs that can assist in locating the target UE based on the first message, denoted as PRU#A; the PRU#A is used for positioning measurement.

[0368] Alternatively, the PRU#A can be one or more, and this application does not limit this.

[0369] Alternatively, the term "provide" can be replaced with "confirm", "discover", "query", "search", "extract", etc., and this application does not limit it in this way.

[0370] Alternatively, the term "positioning measurement" can be replaced with "positioning estimate", "positioning computation", "location computation", "location measurement", "location estimate", etc., and this application does not limit the term.

[0371] Specifically, the AMF#A network element can determine PRU#A based on at least one message in the first message.

[0372] For example, when the AMF#A network element can determine PRU#A based on the first location information of the target UE, the AMF#A network element can determine the PRU that satisfies the first condition with the first location information as PRU#A. This application does not limit this, and the explanation of the first condition is as described above, and will not be repeated here. Alternatively, when the AMF#A network element determines PRU#A based on the reference area information of the target UE, the AMF#A network element can determine the appropriate PRU as PRU#A based on the cell where the target UE is located.

[0373] Alternatively, for example, when the target UE is at the cell edge, the AMF#A network element can determine the appropriate PRU#A based on the information of the adjacent reference areas of the target UE's reference area.

[0374] Optionally, the AMF#A network element can also combine the first location information of the target UE and / or the reference area information of the target UE and / or the information of the adjacent reference areas of the target UE's reference area, as well as the current status of the PRU registered in the AMF#A network element, to determine PRU#A.

[0375] For example, assuming the target UE is located in cell 1, and the two adjacent cells of the target UE are cell 2 and cell 3; the LMF#B network element can receive the identification information of the AMF#A network element in cell 1, cell 2, and cell 3 that has one or more PRUs registered, sent by the NRF network element.

[0376] Furthermore, based on the current mobility status of the PRUs registered in the AMF#A network element, the AMF#A network element determines the appropriate PRU among the aforementioned cells 1, 2, and 3 as PRU#A.

[0377] In step S632, the AMF#A network element sends a second message to the LMF#B network element, which may contain the PRU#A determined by the AMF#A network element. The LMF#B network element receives the second message from the AMF#A network element.

[0378] Specifically, the second message includes relevant information about PRU#A, which may be part or all of PRU#A's identification information, configuration information, context information, registration information, contract information, etc. This application does not limit this information.

[0379] Specifically, the identification information of PRU#A may be a subscription permanent identifier (SUPI), a subscription concealed identifier (SUCI), a generic public subscription identifier (GPSI), a permanent equipment identifier (PEI), an international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI), etc., and this application does not limit it.

[0380] Alternatively, the identification information for PRU#A can also be a name that uniquely identifies PRU#A using a string.

[0381] In step S634, the LMF#B network element sends a third message to the PRU#A. This third message may include the target UE's identification information, positioning method, QoS information, etc. The PRU#A receives the third message from the LMF#B network element.

[0382] Optionally, the third message may also include the target UE's first location information.

[0383] Specifically, the positioning methods include one or more LTE positioning protocol (LPP) positioning methods and / or NR positioning protocol A (NRPPa) positioning methods, etc.

[0384] Specifically, the LPP positioning method may include one or more of the following positioning methods:

[0385] Positioning methods include downlink time difference of arrival (DL-TDOA), downlink angle of departure (DL-AOD), multi-round-trip time (Multi-RTT), enhanced cell identification (E-CID), uplink time difference of arrival (UL-TDOA), uplink angle of arrival (UL-AoA), Assisted Global Navigation Satellite System (A-GNSS), sensor-based positioning, Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN), Bluetooth, and Terrestrial Beacon System (TBS).

[0386] Specifically, the NRPPa positioning method may include one or more of the following positioning methods:

[0387] NR enhanced cell identification (NR E-CID) positioning method, observed time difference of arrival (OTDOA) positioning method, etc.

[0388] In step S636, PRU#A performs a second positioning process based on the third message to obtain the second location information and / or positioning measurement information of the target UE. The positioning measurement information may include one or more positioning measurement values.

[0389] In step S638, PRU#A sends the fourth information to the LMF#B network element. The LMF#B network element receives the fourth information from PRU#A.

[0390] Specifically, the fourth piece of information includes at least one of the following:

[0391] The second location information and / or location measurement information obtained by PRU#A through a second positioning process. The second location information can be used to indicate the location of the target UE measured / estimated / calculated by PRU#A, and the location measurement information can be used for time correction, time calibration, time differential, time difference correction, time difference calibration, time difference differential, time adjustment, etc. This application does not limit this.

[0392] The aforementioned fourth piece of information, for example, can be carried in the N1 message notification as "Namf_Communication_N1MessageNotify".

[0393] Alternatively, it can be included in the N2 message notification as "N2InfoNotify".

[0394] Alternatively, it can be carried in the N2 message "NonUEN2MessageTransfer" which is unrelated to PRU#A. In step S640, the LMF#B network element determines the location information of the target UE based on the second location information and / or positioning measurement information of the target UE included in the fourth information.

[0395] Optionally, "determining the location information of the target UE" can also be "obtaining the location information of the target UE", "calculating the location information of the target UE", or "estimating the location information of the target UE", and this application does not impose any limitations on this comparison.

[0396] For example, suppose the actual location coordinates of the target UE are (4,4), and the first location information is (5,5); if the PRU#A determined according to the above method are PRU#A1, PRU#A2, and PRU#A3, their corresponding location information are (4,6), (6,4), and (3,3) respectively. PRU#A1, PRU#A2, and PRU#A3 respectively perform second positioning processing on the target UE, and the obtained second location information is (4,5), (5,4), and (4,3); PRU#A1, PRU#A2, and PRU#A3 also perform positioning measurements to obtain time correction information. Finally, based on the target UE's first location information, second location information, and time correction information, the target UE's location information is summarized and processed to obtain (4.5, 4.25). The final obtained location information is more accurate and has higher positioning precision than the first location information.

[0397] This embodiment uses at least one PRU#A to perform auxiliary positioning measurements on the target UE, obtaining multiple measurement results for the target UE. The summation and calculation of the results can improve the positioning accuracy of the target UE.

[0398] In steps S642-S644, the LMF#B network element sends the target UE's location information to the LCS client sequentially through the AMF#B network element and the GMLC.

[0399] In addition to the LCS client initiating the location request, the target UE can also request location spontaneously.

[0400] like Figure 7 As shown, in step S710, if the target UE is in the idle state, a service request is triggered to return to the connected state.

[0401] In step S712, the target UE sends uplink radio resource control (RRC) information to the RAN, which includes non-access stratum protocol data unit (NAS PDU) information. The RAN receives this information from the target UE.

[0402] Specifically, the NAS PDU information includes the identifier of the target UE, the location request information initiated by the target UE, etc.

[0403] For example, the location request information initiated by the target UE can be (mobile originated location request, MO-LR) information.

[0404] In step S714, the RAN sends the uplink RRC information to the AMF#B network element via an N2 message. The AMF#B network element receives the uplink RRC information from the RAN.

[0405] In step S716, the AMF#B network element selects the LMF#B network element based on the reference area information of the target UE and / or the information of the adjacent reference areas of the reference area.

[0406] Steps S718-S746 are the same as steps S618-S646 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0407] The above embodiment describes a method for assisted positioning by managing PRUs through AMF network elements. The AMF#A living room dynamically selects PRU#A according to the positioning accuracy requirements of different positioning services.

[0408] Specifically, AMF network element management of PRU can involve storing PRU information in the AMF network element. For example, the AMF network element stores PRU information such as part or all of the PRU's registration information, part or all of the PRU's subscription information, part or all of the PRU's context, part or all of the PRU's configuration information, etc.

[0409] The following section introduces the method of using the LMF network element management PRU for auxiliary positioning.

[0410] like Figure 8 As shown, steps S810-S820 refer to steps S610-S620 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0411] In step S822, the LMF#B network element sends a ninth message to the NRF network element, which requests a query for an LMF network element with a PRU. The NRF network element receives the ninth message from the LMF#B network element.

[0412] Alternatively, the term "request" can be replaced with "instruction" and the term "query" can be replaced with "discovery," without limitation in this application.

[0413] Optionally, the ninth message may include reference area information of the target UE and / or information of adjacent reference areas of the target UE's reference area. In this case, the ninth message can be used to request a query for network elements in the aforementioned reference areas that contain PRUs.

[0414] Specifically, the reference area information of the target UE is used to characterize the reference area of ​​the target UE.

[0415] Specifically, the reference area information can be the location information of the access network device currently providing services to the target UE, and this location information can include the identifier of the cell where the target UE is located. Alternatively, the reference area information can be the location area information of the target UE under its target access network device, and this location area information includes at least one of the following: CGI, the identifier of the access network device, the identifier of the tracking area, and the identifier of the PLMN; it can also include GPS geographic location information, sector identifier, PCI, antenna identifier, DU identifier, CU identifier, etc.

[0416] The identifiers for access network devices can be gNBID, NG-RAN ID, etc., and the identifiers for tracking areas can be TAI, TAC, etc.

[0417] Specifically, the information regarding adjacent locations within the reference area can be adjacent location information of the location under the access network device currently providing services to the target UE. This adjacent location information may include the neighboring cell identifiers of the cell where the target UE is located. Alternatively, the reference area information may be adjacent information of the target UE's location under its target access network device. This adjacent location information includes at least one of the following: the CGI of the neighboring cell, the identifier of the neighboring access network device, the identifier of the neighboring tracking area, and the identifier of the neighboring PLMN. It may also include GPS geographic location information, neighboring sector identifiers, neighboring PCIs, neighboring antenna identifiers, neighboring DU identifiers, and neighboring CU identifiers, etc.

[0418] The identifiers for access network devices can be gNBID, NG-RAN ID, etc., and the identifiers for tracking areas can be TAI, TAC, etc.

[0419] Optionally, the network element type to which the network element belongs can also be queried. That is, the ninth information can be used to request a query for a network element of type LMF that has a PRU registered in the reference area, denoted as LMF#A.

[0420] In step S824, the NRF network element determines the LMF#A network element according to the ninth message. The LMF#A network element can be one or more, and this application does not limit this.

[0421] The ninth message can be “Nnrf_NFDiscovery_Request Request”, or it can be other messages with the same function, such as new messages with different names but the same function. This application does not limit this.

[0422] Alternatively, the term "determine" can be replaced with "discover," "query," "search," "extract," etc., and this application does not limit this.

[0423] The information corresponding to "extract" can be "Nnrf_NFManagement_NFListRetrievalRequest" and the message "Nnrf_NFManagement_NFListRetrieval Request", or it can be other messages with the same function, such as new messages with different names but the same function. This application does not limit this.

[0424] In step S826, the NRF network element sends a tenth message to the LMF#B network element. This tenth message can be a feedback message to the ninth message. The tenth message includes relevant information about the queried LMF#A network element; for example, this information may include the identification information of the LMF#A network element, and part or all of its network configuration information. The LMF#B network element receives the tenth message from the NRF network element.

[0425] The tenth message can be "Nnrf_NFDiscovery_Request Response", or it can be other messages with the same function, such as new messages with different names but the same function. This application does not limit this.

[0426] Alternatively, the term "feedback" can be replaced with "reply," and this application does not limit this to that.

[0427] Specifically, the relevant information of the LMF#A network element may refer to the network function configuration information of the LMF#A network element, such as the NF Profile information of the LMF#A network element. This application does not limit this information.

[0428] In step S828, LMF#B sends an eleventh message to LMF#A, which requests LMF#A to identify one or more PRUs (Programmers, Units, and Units) capable of assisting in the location of the target UE, denoted as PRU#L. The PRU#L is used for location measurements and / or for the location measurement of the target UE. LMF#A receives the eleventh message.

[0429] Similarly, the term "determine" can be replaced with "discover," "query," "search," etc., and this application does not limit this.

[0430] Alternatively, the term "positioning measurement" can be replaced with "positioning estimation", "positioning calculation", "location calculation", "location measurement", "location estimation", etc., and this application does not limit it in this regard.

[0431] Specifically, the eleventh message may include the first location information of the target UE obtained by LMF#B.

[0432] Alternatively, the eleventh message may include reference area information for the target UE;

[0433] Alternatively, the eleventh message may include information about the neighboring reference areas of the target UE's reference area.

[0434] In step S830, the LMF#A network element determines PRU#L according to the eleventh message. There can be one or more PRU#Ls, and this application does not limit this.

[0435] Specifically, the LMF#A network element can determine PRU#L based on at least one piece of information in the eleventh message.

[0436] For example, when the LMF#A network element can determine PRU#L based on the first location information of the target UE, the LMF#A network element can determine the PRU that satisfies the first condition with respect to the first location information as PRU#L. The explanation of the first condition is as described above and will not be repeated here. This application does not limit it.

[0437] Alternatively, when the LMF#A network element can determine the PRU#L based on the reference area information of the target UE, the LMF#A network element can determine that the PRU in the cell where the target UE is located is the PRU#L.

[0438] Alternatively, when the target UE is at the cell edge, LMF#A can determine PRU#L based on information from the neighboring reference areas of the target UE's reference area.

[0439] Optionally, the LMF#A network element can also determine PRU#L based on the target UE's first location information and / or the target UE's reference area information and / or the information of the adjacent reference areas of the reference area, as well as the status of the PRU registered in the LMF#A network element.

[0440] In step S832, LMF#A sends a twelfth message to LMF#B, which indicates the PRU#L determined by LMF#A. LMF#B receives the twelfth message from LMF#A.

[0441] Specifically, the PRU#L can be one or more, and this application does not limit it.

[0442] Specifically, the twelfth message includes relevant information about PRU#L, which may be part or all of PRU#L's identification information, registration information, contract information, context information, configuration information, etc., and this application does not limit it.

[0443] Specifically, the identification information of PRU#L can be SUPI, SUCI, GPSI, PEI, IMSI, etc., and this application does not limit it.

[0444] Alternatively, the identification information for PRU#L can also be a name that uniquely identifies the PRU, named as a string.

[0445] In step S834, the LMF#B network element sends a thirteenth message to the AMF of PRU#L. Upon receiving the thirteenth message, the AMF of PRU#L forwards it to PRU#L. This thirteenth message may include the identification information of the target UE. PRU#L receives the thirteenth message from the LMF#B network element.

[0446] Additionally, the thirteenth message may also include location processing information, which may include the location method, location processing accuracy requirements, etc.

[0447] Optionally, the thirteenth message may also include the first location information of the target UE obtained above.

[0448] Specifically, the positioning method may include one or more LPP and / or NRPPa positioning methods, etc.

[0449] Specifically, the LPP positioning method includes one or more of the following positioning methods:

[0450] DL-TDOA positioning measurement method, DL-AOD positioning measurement method, Multi-RTT positioning measurement method, E-CID positioning measurement method, UL-TDOA positioning measurement method, UL-AoA positioning measurement method, A-GNSS positioning measurement method, sensor positioning measurement method, WLAN positioning measurement method, Bluetooth positioning measurement method, TBS positioning measurement method, etc.

[0451] Specifically, the NRPPa positioning method includes one or more of the following positioning methods:

[0452] NR E-CID positioning measurement method, OTDOA positioning measurement method, etc.

[0453] In step S836, PRU#L performs a second positioning process on the target UE according to the thirteenth message to obtain a second location information and / or one or more measurement values.

[0454] In step S838, PRU#L first sends the fourteenth information to its AMF network element. After receiving the fourteenth information, PRU#L's AMF forwards it to the LMF#B network element. The fourteenth information may include second location measurement information and / or positioning measurement information obtained by PRU#L from the second positioning process of the target UE. LMF#B receives the fourteenth information from PRU#L.

[0455] For example, the aforementioned second location measurement information and / or positioning measurement information can be carried in the N1 message notification "Namf_Communication_N1MessageNotify".

[0456] Alternatively, the aforementioned second location measurement information and / or positioning measurement information can also be carried in the N2 message notification "N2InfoNotify".

[0457] Alternatively, the aforementioned second location measurement information and / or positioning measurement information can also be carried in an N2 message "NonUEN2MessageTransfer" that is unrelated to the target UE.

[0458] In step S840, the LMF#B network element determines the location information of the target UE based on the received second location measurement information and / or positioning measurement information.

[0459] In steps S842-S844, the LMF#B network element sends the target UE's location information to the LCS client sequentially through the AMF#B network element and the GMLC.

[0460] This embodiment uses at least one PRU#L capable of assisting in positioning to perform auxiliary positioning measurements on the target UE, obtaining multiple measurement results for the target UE. The summation and calculation of the results can improve the positioning accuracy of the target UE.

[0461] In addition to the LCS client initiating the location request, the target UE can also request location spontaneously.

[0462] like Figure 9 As shown, steps S910-S920 refer to steps S710-S720 above.

[0463] Steps S922-S946 are the same as steps S822-S846 above.

[0464] The above provides a detailed explanation of the method for selecting a PRU to locate a UE, as provided in this application. The following describes the communication device provided in this application.

[0465] See Figure 10 , Figure 10 A schematic block diagram of the communication device provided in this application. Figure 10 The communication device 1000 includes a processing unit 1100, a receiving unit 1200, and a transmitting unit 1300.

[0466] Optionally, the communication device 1000 may correspond to the first network element in the embodiments of this application.

[0467] At this time, each unit of the communication device 1000 is used to perform the following functions:

[0468] The receiving unit 1200 is configured to receive a first message from a first location management network element. The first message is configured to request the first network element to provide information about a positioning reference device. The first network element has information about one or more positioning reference devices. The positioning reference device is used for positioning measurement.

[0469] Processing unit 1100 is configured to determine one or more first positioning reference devices based on the first message;

[0470] The sending unit 1300 is used to send information about the first positioning reference device to the first location management network element.

[0471] The first message includes at least one of the following:

[0472] The first device has reference area information, information about adjacent reference areas of the first device's reference area, and first location information of the first device, wherein the first device is the device being located.

[0473] Optionally, in one embodiment, the processing unit 1100 further determines one or more first positioning reference devices based on the first message and / or the status of the one or more positioning reference devices.

[0474] The states of the one or more positioning reference devices include:

[0475] The positioning reference device changes from stationary to moving, moving, positioning function enabled, changing from moving to stationary, stationary, positioning function enabled, moving speed greater than a certain value, moving speed less than a certain value, moving speed equal to a certain value, moving speed, moving speed belonging to or not belonging to a certain range, etc.

[0476] Optionally, in one embodiment, the receiving unit 1200 is configured to receive first information from the first positioning reference device, the first information being used to indicate the capabilities of the positioning reference device.

[0477] Optionally, in one embodiment, the receiving unit 1200 is further configured to obtain information about the capabilities of the positioning reference device from the subscription information of the positioning reference device. Here, the first network element can determine whether the positioning reference device has the capability to perform positioning.

[0478] Optionally, in one embodiment, the receiving unit 1200 is configured to receive second information from the positioning reference device, the second information being used to indicate the state of the positioning reference device.

[0479] Optionally, in one embodiment, the sending unit 1300 is configured to send third information to the positioning reference device, the third information being used to indicate the reporting status of the positioning reference device.

[0480] Optionally, in one embodiment, the receiving unit 1200 is configured to obtain information on whether the positioning reference device is movable from the subscription information of the positioning reference device. If the positioning reference device is movable, the receiving unit 1200 needs to obtain the status of the positioning reference device.

[0481] Optionally, in one embodiment, the sending unit 1300 is configured to send an eighth message to the network storage element, the eighth message indicating that the first network element has the location reference device. Here, when the first network element determines that the first location reference device has the capability to locate, the sending unit 1300 sends the eighth message to the network storage element to update the network configuration information of the first network element itself, so that the network storage element can query the first network element where the location reference device exists.

[0482] Optionally, in one embodiment, the receiving unit 1200 is configured to receive fourth information from the first positioning reference device, the fourth information including second location information and / or positioning measurement information, wherein the second location information is used to indicate the position of the first device measured by the first positioning reference device, and the positioning measurement information is used for time correction. The sending unit 1300 sends the fourth information to the first location management network element, so that the first location management network element can determine the location information of the positioning reference device or the first device.

[0483] Optionally, in one embodiment, the second location information may be at least one of the following:

[0484] The positioning reference device obtains positioning measurement information, positioning estimation information, positioning calculation information, position measurement information, position estimation information, position calculation information, calibration information, timing error information, differential information, correction information, and differential correction information by performing positioning measurements on the first device.

[0485] Optionally, in one embodiment, the sending unit 1300 is configured to send a paging message to the positioning reference device, the paging message being used to page the positioning reference device which is in an idle state.

[0486] Optionally, in one embodiment, the sending unit 1300 may also be used to send a first indication to the access network device, the first indication being used to notify the positioning reference device to return to the connected state.

[0487] In the above implementations of each unit, the receiving unit 1200 and the transmitting unit 1300 can also be integrated into a transceiver unit, which has both receiving and transmitting functions. This application does not impose any limitations on this.

[0488] In various embodiments of the communication device 1000 corresponding to the second network element, the processing unit 1100 is used to perform processing and / or operations implemented internally by the second network element, other than the sending and receiving actions. The receiving unit 1200 is used to perform the receiving action, and the sending unit 1300 is used to perform the sending action.

[0489] Optionally, the communication device 1000 may correspond to the positioning reference device in the embodiments of this application.

[0490] At this time, each unit of the communication device 1000 is used to perform the following functions:

[0491] The receiving unit 1200 is used to receive a third message from the first network element, the third message being used to request the processing unit 1100 to perform positioning measurement on the first device.

[0492] The transmitting unit 1300 is used to transmit fourth information to the first network element. The fourth information includes second location information and / or positioning measurement information. The second location information is used to indicate the position of the first device measured by the first positioning reference device. The positioning measurement information is used for time correction.

[0493] Optionally, in one embodiment, the second location information may be at least one of the following:

[0494] The positioning reference device obtains positioning measurement information, positioning estimation information, positioning calculation information, position measurement information, position estimation information, position calculation information, calibration information, timing error information, differential information, correction information, and differential correction information by performing positioning measurements on the first device.

[0495] Optionally, in one embodiment, the sending unit 1300 is configured to send first information to the first network element, the first information being used to indicate the capabilities of the positioning reference device.

[0496] Optionally, in one embodiment, the sending unit 1300 is configured to send second information to the first network element, the second information being used to indicate the status of the first positioning reference device.

[0497] Optionally, in one embodiment, the receiving unit 1200 is configured to receive third information from the first network element, the third information being used to indicate the reporting status of the first positioning reference device.

[0498] Optionally, in one embodiment, the receiving unit 1200 is configured to receive a paging message from the first network element, the paging message being used to paging a positioning reference device in an idle state.

[0499] In the above implementations of each unit, the receiving unit 1200 and the transmitting unit 1300 can also be integrated into a single transceiver unit, which has both receiving and transmitting functions. This is not a limitation here.

[0500] In various embodiments of the communication device 1000 corresponding to the positioning reference device in this application, the processing unit 1100 is used to perform processing and / or operations implemented internally by the positioning reference device, other than the sending and receiving actions. The receiving unit 1200 is used to perform the receiving action, and the sending unit 1300 is used to perform the sending action.

[0501] Optionally, the communication device 1000 may correspond to the first location management network element in the embodiments of this application.

[0502] At this time, each unit of the communication device 1000 is used to perform the following functions:

[0503] The sending unit 1300 is used to send a fifth message to the network storage element. The fifth message contains fifth information, which is used to query the existence of a first network element with a positioning reference device. The positioning reference device is used for positioning measurement.

[0504] The receiving unit 1200 is used to receive information from one or more network elements containing the positioning reference device from the network storage network element. Here, the first location management network element can obtain the first network element containing the positioning reference device as initially screened by the network storage network element.

[0505] Optionally, in one embodiment, the second message further includes at least one of the following information:

[0506] The first device is a device being located. The reference area information of the first device and / or the information of the adjacent reference areas of the reference area of ​​the first device are also included.

[0507] Optionally, in one embodiment, the receiving unit 1200 is configured to receive a seventh message, which is used to request the location information of the positioning reference device or the first device, or to request the determination of the location information of the positioning reference device or the first device, or to provide the location information of the positioning reference device or the first device.

[0508] Optionally, in one embodiment, the sending unit 1300 is configured to send a first message to a first network element, the first message being used to request the first network element to provide information about a positioning reference device.

[0509] Optionally, in one embodiment, the first message further includes at least one of the following information:

[0510] Reference area information of the first device, information of the reference area adjacent to the reference area of ​​the first device, and first position information of the first device.

[0511] Optionally, in one embodiment, the first network element includes: an access and mobility management function network element or a location management function network element.

[0512] In various embodiments of the communication device 1000 corresponding to the first location management network element, the processing unit 1100 is used to perform processing and / or operations implemented internally by the first location processing network element, excluding the sending and receiving actions. The receiving unit 1200 is used to perform the receiving action, and the sending unit 1300 is used to perform the sending action.

[0513] Optionally, the communication device 1000 may correspond to the network storage element in the embodiments of this application.

[0514] At this time, each unit of the communication device 1000 is used to perform the following functions:

[0515] The receiving unit 1200 is configured to receive a fifth message from a first location management network element, the fifth message containing fifth information, the fifth information being used to discover the presence of a first network element with a positioning reference device, the positioning reference device being used for positioning measurement;

[0516] The transmitting unit 1300 is used to transmit information about one or more first network elements containing the positioning reference device to the first location management function network element. Here, the network storage network element can initially filter out the first network elements containing the positioning reference device.

[0517] Optionally, in one embodiment, the fifth message further includes at least one of the following information:

[0518] The first device is a device being located. The reference area information of the first device and / or the information of the adjacent reference areas of the reference area of ​​the first device are also included.

[0519] In various embodiments of the communication device 1000 corresponding to the network storage element, the processing unit 1100 is used to perform processing and / or operations implemented internally by the network storage element, other than the sending and receiving actions. The receiving unit 1200 is used to perform the receiving action, and the sending unit 1300 is used to perform the sending action.

[0520] Optionally, the communication device 1000 may correspond to the second network element in the embodiments of this application.

[0521] At this time, each unit of the communication device 1000 is used to perform the following functions:

[0522] The sending unit 1300 is used to send sixth information to the first access network device, the sixth information being used to instruct the first access network device to notify the positioning reference device to return to the connected state, the positioning reference device being used for positioning measurement.

[0523] Optionally, in one embodiment, the first access network device is an access network device serving the first device, and the first device is the device being located.

[0524] Optionally, in one embodiment, the sixth information further includes:

[0525] The transmission period is used to indicate the period during which the first access network device sends a message indicating that the positioning reference device has returned to the connected state.

[0526] Optionally, in one embodiment, the sixth information may be carried in the assistance data or assistance information control or assistance information or N2 message or system information block or positioning system information block.

[0527] Optionally, in one embodiment, the receiving unit 1200 is configured to receive a seventh message, the seventh message being used to request the location information of the positioning reference device or the first device, or to request the determination of the location information of the positioning reference device or the first device, or to provide the location information of the positioning reference device or the first device.

[0528] Optionally, in one embodiment, the second network element includes an access and mobility management function network element or a location management function network element.

[0529] Optionally, in one embodiment, the second network element is a network element serving the first device. Therefore, all first positioning reference devices in the vicinity of the first device that are in an idle state are used to perform positioning measurements on the first device, thereby improving the positioning accuracy of the first device.

[0530] In various embodiments of the communication device 1000 corresponding to the first network element, the processing unit 1100 is used to perform processing and / or operations implemented internally by the first network element, other than the sending and receiving actions. The receiving unit 1200 is used to perform the receiving action, and the sending unit 1300 is used to perform the sending action.

[0531] Optionally, the communication device 1000 may correspond to the first access network device in the embodiments of this application.

[0532] At this time, each unit of the communication device 1000 is used to perform the following functions:

[0533] The receiving unit 1200 is used to receive sixth information from the first network element, the sixth information being used to instruct the first access network device to notify the positioning reference device to return to the connected state, the positioning reference device being used for positioning measurement.

[0534] Optionally, in one embodiment, the first access network device is an access network device that serves the first device, and the first device is the device being located.

[0535] Optionally, in one embodiment, the sixth information further includes:

[0536] The transmission period is used to indicate the period during which the first access network device sends a message indicating that the positioning reference device has returned to the connected state.

[0537] Optionally, in one embodiment, the transmitting unit 1300 is also used to periodically broadcast the sixth information. By periodically broadcasting the sixth information, the signaling overhead of the second network element sending the information to the receiving unit 1200 each time is saved.

[0538] Optionally, in one embodiment, the sixth information may be carried in the assistance data or assistance information control or assistance information or N2 message or system information block or positioning system information block.

[0539] Optionally, in one embodiment, the second network element includes: an access and mobility management function network element or a location management function network element.

[0540] Optionally, in one embodiment, the access and mobility management function network element is an access and mobility management function network element serving the first device.

[0541] In various embodiments of the communication device 1000 corresponding to the first access network device, the processing unit 1100 is used to perform processing and / or operations implemented internally by the first access network device, other than the sending and receiving actions. The receiving unit 1200 is used to perform the receiving action, and the sending unit 1300 is used to perform the sending action.

[0542] See Figure 11 , Figure 11 A schematic structural diagram of the communication device provided in this application. Figure 11 The communication device 10 includes one or more processors 11, one or more memories 12, and one or more communication interfaces 13. The processor 11 is used to control the communication interface 13 to send and receive signals, the memory 12 is used to store computer programs, and the processor 11 is used to call and run the computer programs from the memory 12 so that the communication device 10 performs the processing performed by the corresponding network element or device (e.g., a first network element, a second network element, a first location management network element, a network storage network element, and a first positioning reference device) in the various method embodiments of this application.

[0543] For example, processor 11 may have Figure 10 The processing unit 1100 shown has the following functions, and the communication interface 13 may have Figure 10 The functions of the receiving unit 1200 and / or transmitting unit 1300 shown are as follows. Specifically, the processor 11 can be used to perform processing or operations performed within the corresponding network element, and the communication interface 13 is used to perform transmitting and / or receiving operations performed by the corresponding network element.

[0544] In one implementation, the communication device 10 can be a corresponding network element or device in the method embodiment. In this implementation, the communication interface 13 can be a transceiver. The transceiver can include a receiver and / or a transmitter. Optionally, the processor 11 can be a baseband device, and the communication interface 13 can be a radio frequency device.

[0545] In another implementation, the communication device 10 can be a chip (or chip system) installed in a corresponding network element or device. In this implementation, the communication interface 13 can be an interface circuit or an input / output interface.

[0546] in, Figure 11 A dashed box following a device (e.g., processor, memory, or communication interface) indicates that there can be more than one such device.

[0547] Optionally, the memory and processor in the above-described device embodiments can be physically independent units, or the memory can be integrated with the processor. This application does not impose any limitations on this.

[0548] It should be understood that the aforementioned "corresponding network element or device" refers to any one of the first network element, second network element, first location management network element, network storage network element, and first positioning reference device in each embodiment.

[0549] In addition, this application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing computer instructions, which, when executed on a computer, cause the operations and / or processes performed by the corresponding network elements in the various method embodiments of this application to be executed.

[0550] In addition, this application also provides a computer program product, which includes computer program code or instructions. When the computer program code or instructions are run on a computer, the operations and / or processes performed by the corresponding network elements in the various method embodiments of this application are executed.

[0551] Furthermore, this application also provides a chip including a processor, a memory for storing a computer program disposed independently of the chip, the processor being used to execute the computer program stored in the memory, causing a communication device on which the chip is installed to perform operations and / or processes performed by a corresponding network element in any of the method embodiments.

[0552] Furthermore, the chip may also include a communication interface. The communication interface may be an input / output interface or an interface circuit, etc. Furthermore, the chip may also include the memory.

[0553] Optionally, the processor can be one or more, and the memory can be one or more.

[0554] Furthermore, this application also provides a communication device (e.g., a chip or chip system) including a processor and a communication interface. The communication interface is used to receive (or input) data and / or information and transmit the received data and / or information to the processor, the processor processes the data and / or information, and the communication interface is also used to output (or output) the data and / or information processed by the processor, so that the operation and / or processing performed by the corresponding network element in any method embodiment is executed.

[0555] Furthermore, this application also provides a communication device including at least one processor coupled to at least one memory, the at least one processor being configured to execute a computer program or instructions stored in the at least one memory, causing the communication device to perform operations and / or processes performed by a corresponding network element in any of the method embodiments.

[0556] Furthermore, this application also provides a communication device, including a processor and a memory. Optionally, it may also include a transceiver. The memory stores a computer program, the processor calls and runs the computer program stored in the memory, and controls the transceiver to transmit and receive signals, so that the communication device performs the operations and / or processes performed by the corresponding network element in any of the method embodiments.

[0557] This application also provides a communication system, including one or more of the following network elements or devices in the embodiments of this application: a first network element, a second network element, a first location management network element, a network storage network element, and a first positioning reference device.

[0558] The memory in this application embodiment can be volatile memory or non-volatile memory, or it can include both volatile and non-volatile memory. The non-volatile memory can be read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or flash memory. The volatile memory can be random access memory (RAM), which is used as an external cache. By way of example, but not limitation, many forms of RAM are available, such as static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDRSDRAM), enhanced synchronous dynamic random access memory (ESDRAM), synchronous linked dynamic random access memory (SLDRAM), and direct rambus RAM (DRRAM). It should be noted that the memory used in the systems and methods described herein is intended to include, but is not limited to, these and any other suitable types of memory.

[0559] The methods provided in the above embodiments can be implemented, in whole or in part, by software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented in software, they can be implemented, in whole or in part, in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product may include one or more computer instructions. When the computer program instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, all or part of the processes or functions described in the embodiments of this application are generated. The computer may be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer instructions may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer instructions may be transmitted from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center via wired (e.g., coaxial cable, fiber optic, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) means. The computer-readable storage medium may be any available medium accessible to a computer or a data storage device such as a server or data center that integrates one or more available media.

[0560] Regarding the designations of "first" and "second" in the embodiments of this application, those skilled in the art will understand that the designations of "first" and "second" do not limit the quantity or execution order, and the words "first" and "second" are not necessarily different.

[0561] In this application embodiment, "at least one" refers to one or more, and "more than one" refers to two or more. "And / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A alone, A and B simultaneously, or B alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. The character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects are in an "or" relationship. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or plural items. For example, at least one of a, b, or c can represent: a, b, c; a and b; a and c; b and c; or a and b and c. Here, a, b, and c can be single or multiple.

[0562] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the units and algorithm steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0563] Those skilled in the art will clearly understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working processes of the systems, devices, and units described above can be referred to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0564] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, apparatuses, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces; the indirect coupling or communication connection between apparatuses or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0565] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0566] In addition, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit.

[0567] If the aforementioned functions are implemented as software functional units and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or a portion of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0568] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A method of positioning, characterized by, Comprising: a second location management network element receives a first message from a first location management network element, the first location management network element is a network element serving a positioning service for a target device to be positioned, the first message is used to request the second location management network element to provide information of a positioning reference device, the positioning reference device is used for positioning measurement; the second location management network element determines one or more first positioning reference devices according to the first message; the second location management network element sends information of the one or more first positioning reference devices to the first location management network element, the information of the one or more first positioning reference devices is used to determine a position of the target device to be positioned.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, The first message includes reference area information of the target device to be positioned.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein, The first message further includes at least one of the following information: information of a neighboring reference area of the reference area of the target device to be positioned, first position information of the target device to be positioned.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The second location management network element determines one or more first positioning reference devices according to the first message, comprising: The second location management network element determines one or more first positioning reference devices according to the first message and a state of the one or more positioning reference devices.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The method further comprises: The second location management network element receives first information from the positioning reference device, the first information is used to indicate a capability of the positioning reference device.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The method further comprises: The second location management network element receives second information from the positioning reference device, the second information is used to indicate a state of the positioning reference device.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The method further comprises: The second location management network element sends third information to the positioning reference device, the third information is used to instruct the positioning reference device to report a state.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The method further comprises: The second location management network element obtains information of the capability of the positioning reference device from subscription information of the positioning reference device, and / or The second location management network element obtains information of whether the positioning reference device can move from subscription information of the positioning reference device, and / or The second location management network element obtains the state of the positioning reference device from subscription information of the positioning reference device.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The method further comprises: The second location management network element sends an eighth message to a network storage network element, the eighth message is used to indicate that the second location management network element exists the positioning reference device.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The method further comprises: The second location management network element receives fourth information of the first positioning reference device, the fourth information includes second position information and / or positioning measurement information, the second position information is used to indicate a position of the target device to be positioned measured by the first positioning reference device, and the positioning measurement information is used for time correction.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that, The method further comprises: The second location management network element sends the second position information and / or the positioning measurement information to the first location management network element, the second position information and / or the positioning measurement information are used to calculate position information of the target device to be positioned.

12. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that, The method further comprises: The second location management network element sends a paging message to the positioning reference device, the paging message being used to page the positioning reference device in an idle state.

13. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that, The method further comprises: The second location management network element sends a first indication to an access network device, the first indication being used to inform the positioning reference device to return to a connected state.

14. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that, The method further comprises: The second location management network element obtains information of one or more positioning reference devices from a unified data management network element.

15. A method of positioning, characterized by Comprises: A first location management network element sends a first message to a second location management network element, the first location management network element being a network element serving a positioning service for a target device to be positioned, the first message being used to request the second location management network element to provide information of a positioning reference device, the positioning reference device being used for positioning measurement; The first location management network element receives information of one or more first positioning reference devices from the second location management network element; The first location management network element determines a position of the target device to be positioned according to the information of the one or more first positioning reference devices.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein, The first message comprises reference area information of the target device to be positioned.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein, The first message further comprises at least one of the following information: Information of a neighboring reference area of the reference area of the target device to be positioned, first position information of the target device to be positioned.

18. The method of any one of claims 15-17, wherein, The method further comprises: The first location management network element sends a fifth message to a network storage network element, the fifth message containing fifth information, the fifth information being used to discover the second location management network element; The first location management network element receives information of the second location management network element from the network storage network element.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein, The fifth message further comprises reference area information of the target device to be positioned.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein, The fifth message further comprises information of a neighboring reference area of the reference area of the target device to be positioned.

21. The method of any one of claims 15-20, wherein, The method further comprises: The first location management network element receives a seventh message, the seventh message being used to request position information of the target device to be positioned.

22. A communications device, characterized by Comprises at least one processor coupled with at least one memory, the at least one processor being used to execute computer programs or instructions stored in the at least one memory, so that the communication device performs the method according to any one of claims 1-21.

23. A communication system for locating a device, the system comprising: Comprises: A second location management network element, used to perform the method according to any one of claims 1-14; A first location management network element, used to perform the method according to any one of claims 15-21.

Images